In a full round of League One fixtures this midweek, one of the standout matchups sees Bristol Rovers travel to face playoff hopefuls Stevenage.
Both sides come into this off the back of dropping points in their last two matches, with Steve Evan’s men conceding a late penalty on Saturday to see them only get a 2-2 draw with relegation-battling Port Vale, whilst the Gas lost at home to Burton Albion,
Stevenage’s season has been one of an underdog story so far, as the newly promoted side currently sits in sixth in the division. They have rarely been out of the playoff places ever since they first climbed into those spots all the way back in match day two.
Bristol Rovers’ campaign has not quite been as impressive, as the side currently sits in mid-table, with it likely to be too much of a stretch to get into the playoffs from this point on.
Their recent form has only seen the visitors pick up two wins from their last eight league matches, with the rest all being losses. On the flip side, the home team have only lost two of their six league matches in 2024.
A win for Stevenage would see them cement their spot in the top six, whereas Rovers could climb into the top ten if they were to pick up all three points.
Here is what two of The Real EFL’s pundits think about this one…
Charlie Beeston
“On paper, when looking at recent form, this game would look almost destined to be a display of mediocre League One football, however, I doubt it is going to go that way. Bristol Rovers come into this with less on the line than the home side. They will of course want to pick up points, but this is in no way a must-win for the Gas. They are comfortably mid-table, and have a couple of easier fixtures on paper coming up, such as Carlisle United at home, that they would be targeting to get the three points in.
On the other hand, if Stevenage are truly serious about their playoff aspirations this season, they may view this as a game they really should be winning. With Oxford United right on their tails, and following a couple of less-than-stellar performances, if they don’t get back to winning ways soon, the dream may quickly be over. Saying that however, I do see this as a game the home side should be victorious in.”
Stevenage 2-0 Bristol Rovers
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