Blackpool will hope to show their bounce-back ability when they host Bristol Rovers at Bloomfield Road in their final League One match before Christmas. Neil Critchley's side issued the perfect response to last weekend's disappointment at Cambridge United by beating Forest Green Rovers 3-0 on Tuesday night.
Several changes were made, however the side put out was strong enough to see off FGR, who later sacked their manager following their exit from the competition. Owen Dale, Jordan Lawrence-Gabriel and Marvin Ekpiteta were all on target as they booked their place in the third round and set up a tie with Nottingham Forest in January. The league is the priority however, and this weekend is a big match if Blackpool want to get their promotion bid back on track, and Rovers who hold their own ambitions of a play-off push will be out to get a result.
The West Country outfit claimed an unlikely win away at promotion hopefuls Bolton Wanderers last weekend. It was the first league win under new boss Matt Taylor who succeeded Joey Barton after former Blackpool striker Andy Mangan took the reigns. Rovers have Blackpool promotion-winning midfielder Grant Ward in their ranks, and he has overcome his injury hell.
A win for the hosts would bring them to within one point of Derby County who hold the final play-off position. If Rovers were to win then they'd potentially overleap two teams and come within two points of Blackpool.
It's Bristol Rovers with the lengthier absentee list than Blackpool, and several players could be missing. Here are all the latest team news updates ahead of Saturday's clash between the Seasiders and the Gas at Bloomfield Road.
7. Jordan Rossiter - out
He's not played for Bristol Rovers in over a year. Rossiter's nearly over his injury hell, but Bristol Rovers will have to carefully manage him. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
8. Luke McCormick - doubt
The 24-year old hasn't featured for over two months. However Matt Taylor said he's "very close" from a return and is back in training. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
9. Jack Hunt - doubt
Underwent a scan last week, and Rovers are trying to get the finer details of his injury sorted out. | Getty Images
10. Lewis Gordon - doubt
Pictured in the away end with supporters last weekend. Been nursing a hamstring injury, but could be back this weekend. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
11. Luca Hoole - doubt
He was said to be close to appearing on the bench last weekend, and this match might come at the right time for the Wales under-21 international. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images
12. James Gibbons - out
Suffered an injury in training last week, and didn't return when they assessed him. | Getty Images Photo: Getty Images