Bristol R v Rotherham preview

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In-form Bristol Rovers have no fresh injury worries as they look to make it seven games unbeaten.

The Pirates ran out 1-0 winners against Wycombe on Saturday, their fifth win in their last six matches, to move seven points adrift of the League Two relegation zone.

But while all of the current squad came through the match unscathed Rovers are still without their four long-term injury victims who are all yet to play under Ward.

Matt Harrold, Matt Gill, Scott Bevan and Adam Virgo are all still sidelined.

Ryan Brunt will keep his place upfront after the January signing from Stoke struck the only goal against the Chairboys on Saturday.

Rotherham arrive in Bristol looking for revenge after their 3-1 defeat at The New York Stadium last month.

Rotherham boss Steve Evans will once again be without Michael O’Connor.

The influential midfielder will serve the final game of his three-match ban for stamping during the Millers’ 2-0 defeat to Burton on February 9.

Evans looks set to hand late fitness tests to a number of first-team players after they picked up knocks during Saturday’s 1-0 win over neighbours Chesterfield.

Defender Craig Morgan is in contention after recovering from a foot injury which has kept him out since November, while goalkeeper Scott Shearer is making good progress in his recovery from an elbow injury but will not be ready in time for the trip.

Rotherham, who currently sit sixth in League Two, travel to Bristol looking to record their third win on the bounce.

Bristol R v Rotherham preview

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Bristol Rovers will continue to be without Danny Woodards and Wayne Brown for the home clash against Andy Scott’s Millers.

Defender Woodards is still recovering from a rib injury sustained in the match against Cheltenham on October 1, while midfielder Brown damaged his ankle in the same encounter and is expected to be out long-term.

Rovers are suspension-free, however, and buoyed by the return to fitness of captain Matt Gill after a hamstring problem.

Meanwhile, striker Scott McGleish has received the all-clear following a knee scan and should keep his place in the starting line-up.

McGleish was assessed after picking up a minor knock during training last week, but started the 3-0 defeat at Oxford on Saturday and has been passed fit once again.

Defender Troy Brown will return to the Rotherham squad for Friday’s away fixture.

The centre-half has been away on international duty with Wales Under-21s for the last 10 days but returned to training on Wednesday and is in contention for a start.

Manager Scott has been working tirelessly in an attempt to strengthen his backline after injuries and poor performances have blighted the Millers in recent weeks, but has so far been frustrated in the loan market.

That may mean he is forced to stick with Johnny Mullins in defence, despite hinting that the centre-half is struggling with fitness following his return from a serious knee injury.

Attacker Gareth Evans is pushing for a start after illness last week restricted him to a substitute’s appearance against Burton and will battle it out with Ben Pringle for a place in Scott’s side.

Skipper Ryan Cresswell faces another four weeks out with ankle trouble, midfielder Mark Bradley underwent surgery on Tuesday to repair a dislocated shoulder and goalkeeper Jamie Annerson is still some way off recovering from a knee injury.