Two sides looking to make the playoff spots at the end of the season come together on Saturday afternoon as Leyton Orient host Bristol Rovers at Brisbane Road.
The hosts returned to winning ways at home last time out after losing in front of their own fans for the first time in 2024 the week prior, while Bristol Rovers have managed just one away win in the new year.
Match preview
© Reuters
After being promoted as Champions of League Two last season, Leyton Orient are looking to push into the playoffs and claim back-to-back promotions, getting into England's second division for the first time since 1981-82.
The O's had been on a run of eight games without a loss before losing to Barnsley, but they have not let this derail them, winning three and losing one in the four games since the away defeat to the Tykes.
Although a win against Bristol Rovers would not see them move up the table due to Oxford United, currently three points above Leyton Orient in seventh, having a superior goal difference, victory could see them move to within two points of the playoff positions depending on results elsewhere.
They must first pass the tricky test of Bristol Rovers, a team they have not been able to beat at Brisbane Road since August 2015, while they have also claimed just one victory over the Gas in their last six meetings.
© Reuters
Bristol Rovers, who finished 17th last season, have mostly floated around the mid-table position this time around and come into this game in 12th place.
While ambitious, the Gas will be hoping they can put a good run of form together from now to the end of the season and make a potential charge for the playoff positions.
However recent form has been shaky and seen them lose three of their last five games, leaving them 13 points behind sixth-placed Stevenage. This will leave their focus potentially shifting to securing a top-half finish in League One for the first time since 2016-17.
Matt Taylor will know his side are underdogs given they have won just six games away from home this season, but they will take confidence from their record at Brisbane Road in recent years.
Team News
© Reuters
Leyton Orient will be missing Jordan Graham and Adam Thompson for this one, with both currently sidelined due to injuries.
The O's may also be without Daniel Happe and Dan Agyei, who remain doubtful coming into the game.
Richie Wellens will be looking to striker Ruel Sotiriou to make the difference and add to his 10 goals in the league so far this campaign.
As for Bristol Rovers, Brandon Aguilera remains out having already missed three matches with injury. Grant Ward and Jordan Rossiter are both also still out with injuries.
Taylor will be hoping Jevani Brown is fit to play in this one after he was substituted due to injury in Bristol Rovers' last game against Carlisle United.
Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:
Brynn; Galbraith, Beckles, Cooper, James; Brown, El Mizouni; Forde, Moncur, O'Neill; Sotiriou
Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Ward; Hunt, Wilson, Baggott, Gordon; Thomas, Conteh, Vale, Sinclair; Martin, Grant
We say: Leyton Orient 2-1 Bristol Rovers
Leyton Orient have been strong at home in 2024, succumbing to just one loss at Brisbane Road since the turn of the year. While the O's have not enjoyed much success against Bristol Rovers in recent years, we believe they will continue their strong home form and win this one.
Neither side have endured many goalless games in recent weeks and so we believe both teams will manage to get on the scoresheet during this game.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
