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Swindon Town face injury-hit Bristol Rovers in West Country derby
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Swindon Town prepare for a crucial derby clash this weekend as Bristol Rovers grapple with defensive absences and a fitness doubt over their top striker.
Swindon Town head into this weekend's West Country derby looking to build on their recent victory against Barnet, as they prepare to face a Bristol Rovers side currently managing a significant injury list. Ian Holloway’s men, buoyed by their 3-1 win on Tuesday which ended a six-match winless streak, will aim to capitalise on Rovers' recent dip in form.
Bristol Rovers have endured a difficult spell, suffering five consecutive defeats across all competitions. Manager Steve Evans confirmed that his side is currently waiting on the fitness of striker Ellis Harrison, who is rated as 50-50 for the fixture. Harrison, who scored 11 goals last season, is a vital component of the Rovers attack, though Evans indicated that a final decision on his involvement will be made following assessment.
The visiting side faces further challenges in defence, with both Jack Aitchison and Riley Harbottle already ruled out of the contest. Despite these setbacks, Rovers have options elsewhere in the squad, with Joe Quigley managing a recent ankle issue to feature off the bench against Salford City earlier this week. He appears in contention to play a role against the Robins.
Speaking ahead of the match, Swindon manager Ian Holloway expressed caution regarding the tactical unpredictability of his opponents. Evans has experimented with various formations recently, shifting between a 3-4-1-2 and a 4-2-3-1 setup, leaving Swindon's coaching staff to prepare for a range of tactical scenarios.
Holloway emphasised the importance of maintaining focus following the midweek success, telling reporters that the club's priority remains giving the supporters something to cheer about. With Rovers currently sitting below Town in the league table, the derby presents a significant opportunity for both teams to alter their momentum in a tightly contested division.
Source: Swindon Advertiser - Lifestyle · View original