Bristol Rovers and Norwich City are set to face off in an eagerly anticipated FA Cup third-round replay at the Memorial Stadium.
Match Preview:
The winner of this match will earn a coveted trip to Liverpool in the fourth round. In their previous encounter at Carrow Road, the two teams played out a 1-1 draw, setting the stage for an exciting rematch.
Bristol Rovers enters this match with the hope of securing their first victory of the New Year.
Their recent form has been underwhelming, with defeats against Wycombe Wanderers and Barnsley in League One.
Manager Matt Taylor has led the team to four wins, two draws, and four losses since taking charge.
Sitting in 11th place in the League One table, Bristol Rovers is eager to make a mark in the FA Cup and reach the fourth round for the first time since the 2007-08 season.
Norwich City, on the other hand, started the year with two consecutive 1-1 draws, including their clash with Bristol Rovers.
However, they bounced back with a 2-1 victory over Hull City in the Championship. With David Wagner at the helm, Norwich City has climbed to 11th place in the Championship and remains in contention for a playoff spot.
They have their sights set on progressing to the FA Cup fourth round, having won their last two visits to the Memorial Stadium by an aggregate score of 5-0.
Team News:
Bristol Rovers will be without James Wilson, Jordan Rossiter, and Grant Ward due to injuries. James Connolly is also unavailable as he played in the early rounds of the FA Cup on loan at Morecambe.
Lewis Gordon’s participation is uncertain, but Jack Hunt is expected to feature after returning from injury.
Manager Matt Taylor is unlikely to make significant changes to the starting lineup, with Chris Martin and Jevani Brown leading the attack.
Norwich City manager David Wagner may revert to a similar lineup that faced Bristol Rovers in the previous fixture.
Goalkeeper George Long might replace Angus Gunn, while defenders Kellen Fisher, Danny Batth, Grant Hanley, and Ben Gibson will be vying for starting spots.
In midfield, Adam Forshaw and Liam Gibbs could partner up, and Joshua Sargent is likely to lead the line upfront.
Possible Lineups:
Bristol Rovers: (3-4-1-2)
Cox;
Grant, Connolly, Crama;
Thomas, Evans, Finley, Vale;
McCormick;
Martin, Brown
Norwich City: (4-2-3-1)
Long;
Fisher, Batth, Gibson, Giannoulis;
Forshaw, Gibbs;
Rowe, Barnes, Hernandez;
Sargent
Prediction: Bristol Rovers 1-2 Norwich City
Both Bristol Rovers and Norwich City are motivated by the opportunity to face Liverpool in the fourth round. Playing on home soil, Bristol Rovers will have an advantage if Norwich decides to make significant changes to their lineup.
However, Norwich City, led by David Wagner, is likely to field a strong team to avoid an upset.
