Bristol R v Dag & Red preview

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John Ward could name an unchanged line-up for the third successive match as Bristol Rovers look to extend their unbeaten run when they host Dagenham.

The Pirates’ impressive victory over Plymouth on Saturday made it six games without defeat and Ward is unlikely to shuffle his pack as they look to continue that fine form.

If he does decide to freshen things up then striker Matt Harrold, who returned from injury as a substitute on the weekend, is an option along with the likes of Steven Gillespie and Seanus Clucas.

Rovers have lost just once in their last 12 games – a run that stretches back to mid-October.

Dagenham are set to be without influential duo Rhys Murphy and Zavon Hines when they visit Bristol Rovers.

Murphy, a product of Arsenal’s youth academy, has been nursing a groin injury for the past six weeks but, despite playing through the pain, boss Wayne Burnett fears a spell on the sidelines may beckon for the 23-year-old.

Fellow forward Hines sustained an ankle knock in a development-team game last Tuesday and, after missing Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Exeter, the former West Ham man could be out for three weeks at least.

Afolabi Obafemi (ankle) is nearing a first-team recall having not featured since New Year’s Day while defender Jack Connors is close to a return following illness.

Bristol R v Dag & Red preview

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Bristol Rovers boss Mark McGhee will welcome back two players from suspension, but will be missing another regular for three games.

Wayne Brown and Eliot Richards missed the defeat to Wycombe on Saturday after their bans but in the dying seconds of that 2-0 loss at Adams Park, Matt Lund picked up a second yellow and became the fourth Rovers player to be sent off in two weeks – meaning he will miss the visit of John Still’s men.

Captain Matt Gill limped off just before the hour mark with a knee injury after a heavy challenge, meaning the former Exeter man is a doubt.

Rovers are now third-bottom in League Two and have not picked up three points since October 20.

Dagenham boast no new injury or suspension problems.

Fit-again pair Dominic Green and Josh Scott are the only two players providing manager Still with any concern as they still seek minutes under their belt before being considered fully match ready.

Still does have options should he wish to freshen up his side, with the likes of Kevin Maher, Gavin Hoyte, Billy Bingham and Brian Woodall all pushing for recalls.

Speaking ahead of the clash, Still told Dagenham’s official website: “Bristol Rovers is one of my old clubs and I always look forward to going back there and it should be a great game.”

Bristol R v Dag & Red preview

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Bristol Rovers will be without the suspended Chris Zebroski for the clash.

Zebroski picked up his fifth booking of the season during the 3-0 home defeat to Port Vale on Tuesday night, incurring a one-match ban. However, manager Paul Buckle is likely to be able to call on experienced midfielder Stuart Campbell after illness ruled him out of the midweek defeat.

Rovers have been circulating Campbell’s name to other clubs in an effort to offload the veteran, after the respective parties failed to come to terms on a new deal at the Memorial Stadium.

But Buckle told the Pirates’ official website the 33-year-old remains very much a part of his first-team plans.

“Stuart’s name has been circulated to other clubs, but he is still available for selection and is part of the squad,” he said. “It was a horrible coincidence that we lost him to illness on Tuesday, as we could have done with his leadership.”

Adam Virgo (knee) and goalkeeper Wayne Brown (ankle) remain long-term absentees for Rovers.

Meanwhile Scott Doe will miss Dagenham & Redbridge’s trip through suspension.

The centre-back was given his marching orders during Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat at leaders Crawley and now serves a one-match ban, meaning Phil Walsh will step in to start alongside Mark Arber at the heart of defence.

Otherwise, manager John Still is set to send out the same side which went down at the Broadfield Stadium.

Striker Brian Woodall remains injured, with fellow forwards Josh Scott, Sam Williams (both knee) and Rob Edmans (broken leg) all on the sidelines.

On-loan Troy Hewitt stepped in to replace Woodall against Crawley and will again keep his place in what is the final match of his current loan agreement from QPR, although an extension may be agreed.

The encounter at the Memorial Stadium is certainly the final game of Oliver Lee’s loan from West Ham, with the midfielder set to return to his parent club as his maximum 93-day stay prepares to come to an end.