Bristol Rovers v Rochdale preview

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Darrell Clarke could recall Bristol Rovers’ top scorer to the starting line-up when they welcome Rochdale.

John-Joe O’Toole, who has scored 15 times for the Pirates this season, was surprisingly left out for Saturday’s 3-2 loss at Fratton Park but Clarke could recall the former Colchester man as they look for three vital points.

And Rovers look set to be without defenders Danny Woodards (hamstring) and Michael Smith. (thigh) The pair picked up the injuries against Pompey and had to be substituted and their manager says it would be surprised to see either feature again this season.

Only goal difference keeps Rovers out of the relegation zone ahead of kick off.

Keith Hill looks set to ring the changes as Rochdale try to get back to winning ways at Bristol Rovers.

The Dale boss made two substitutions at half time as his side were thumped 3-0 by Southend on Friday and he looks likely to shuffle his pack for Monday’s match.

Dale’s medical team will assess top scorer Scott Hogan who limped off just 30 minutes into that Spotland with George Donnelly standing by to deputise.

Jamie Allen and Peter Vincenti were sent on at the break having been left out of the side and will hope to have done enough to win back their places.

Bristol Rovers v Rochdale preview

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Bristol Rovers manager Paul Trollope has no fresh injury or suspension problems for the home game with Rochdale.

Jo Kuffour and Chris Lines were restored to the starting line-up for Monday’s defeat to Swindon and should retain their places.

The derby defeat against the Robins saw the Pirates slip to 15th in League One and Trollope has urged his side to get back to winning ways against Dale.

“We need to bounce back from the Swindon result,” he told the club’s official website. “There are areas we need to look at and lessons we can learn from the game, although I felt there were positives to take from the game.

“But hopefully we can make the little improvements necessary and get back to winning ways.”

Rochdale boss Keith Hill has signed winger Nicky Adams on loan ahead of the trip to Bristol Rovers.

The winger has failed to settle at Brentford since signing from Leicester and has agreed a loan deal at Spotland which will be made permanent in January.

Defender Scott Wiseman has missed the last six games with a stomach muscle injury but is nearing full fitness again and is expected to come back into contention.

Hill said: “Scott Wiseman will be fit for the next game. When we are trying to force the issue and take a few chances, Scott has the know-how going forward and defensively.”

Defensive colleague Joe Widdowson returned after a knee injury in last weekend’s 1-0 home defeat at the hands of Yeovil, a result which could prompt Hill to make changes.