16122022 Match Preview Charlton v Rovers

Rovers are back in Sky Bet League One action on Saturday, after Tuesday's comprehensive 4-1 win over MK Dons in the Papa John's Trophy. That victory handed us a home tie with either Plymouth or AFC Wimbledon in the Quarter-Finals.

Manager's Preview

Click below to hear what Rovers manager Joey Barton had to say ahead of the game with the Addicks.

Opposition View

Charlton Athletic are at their "lowest ebb in living memory" according to their own supporters' trust.

The Addicks, who sacked boss Ben Garner last week, sit 18th in League One - should they end the campaign in that position or lower, it would be their worst-ever league finish. Charlton are four points above the relegation zone and searching for a fifth manager in two years after the sacking of former Rovers boss Garner.

Antony Hayes is their caretaker manager and he was in the dugout as they were dumped out of the FA Cup by League Two side Stockport County.

Hayes said:

“I think naturally when you don’t win games of football your confidence can be affected. What I have said though is that I don’t think we’re far off turning things around.

"As a collective - players, staff and fans - we’re all hurting because we all want to do better, but we can’t feel sorry for ourselves and we can’t play with fear.

"Bristol Rovers are a competitive, honest, hardworking side. I’d expect nothing less from a Joey Barton side but I also think they have got a good mixture to their game. I think in Aaron Collins they have got one of the best players in the league. His numbers speak for themselves in terms of creating and scoring goals. He is someone we’ll have to be very mindful of.

"There are some vulnerabilities there. We’ve got a lot of threats in attacking positions and there will be spaces for us to exploit - it is just a case of maximising those moments on Saturday.”

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Form Guide

Charlton currently sit in 18th place, only four points behind Rovers with a game in hand. However, whilst the Gas have picked up eight points from their last five games, Athletic have secured just two.

Their last league outing was a 1-0 reverse at home to Cheltenham, who leapfrogged them in the table as a result. 

Charlton's top goalscorer this season is Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, with five strikes, while one-time Rovers' target Jayden Stockley weighing in with three.

Ref Watch

Sam Allison is the referee for Saturday afternoon's clash at The Valley. He has officiated eleven games in league and cup so far this term, dishing out 30 yellow cards and two red. Allison averages awarding just over 22 fouls per game and has previously officiated in Premier League 2, the competition that replaced the Under-21 Premier League from 2016/17.

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How to Watch

Tomorrow's fixture is available to watch LIVE on iFollow! 

To find out more about iFollow, please click HERE.

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Betting Preview

EFL sponsors Sky Bet have priced Rovers at 13/5 for the win, with a 0-0 draw at 11/1. Antony Evans can be backed to score first at 12/1 while Aaron Collins to score at any time has odds of 11/4.

*Odds correct at the time of writing. To bet with Sky Bet, please click HERE. Please bet responsibly.

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