Bristol Live’s predicted Bristol Rovers team to face Port Vale as Darrell Clarke’s side look to progress to the next round of the FA CupJosh McEachran pictured in action for Bristol Rovers(Image: Geraint Nicholas/PPAUK)

Bristol Rovers have played six games in cup competitions this season, winning five and losing only one. Two of these victories were penalty shootout triumphs, with the latest coming against Cambridge United in the Vertu Trophy to book Rovers’ place in the last 16 of the competition.

The Gas secured their place in the second round of the FA Cup at the start of November, with a hard-fought 2-1 away win against high-flying Bromley, thanks to goals from Fabrizio Cavegn and Joel Cotterill.

Rovers have not enjoyed the same fortunes in the league, with Darrell Clarke’s side only a point above the relegation zone in League Two, following eight consecutive defeats.

Saturday’s trip to Port Vale is a chance to build on the Vertu Trophy win against Cambridge and boost confidence ahead of a tricky run of league games before Christmas, including clashes against Barnet and Swindon Town next week.

Like Rovers, Saturday’s opponents have endured a difficult time in the league, as they sit bottom of the third tier with 14 points after 18 games. In midweek, they secured an impressive 5-0 win against Barnsley in the Vertu Trophy, though, and will enter the game as the favourites to book their place in the third round.

With that said, here is how we think Rovers will set up against the Valiants…

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Luke Southwood was a surprise starter in midweek, as Brad Young had previously started all three games in the Vertu Trophy. Despite giving away a penalty in the last minute, the Northern Ireland international redeemed himself with two saves in the shootout to book Rovers’ spot in the last 16 of the competition. He will keep his place against Port Vale, as the Gas look to book their place in the third round.

Meanwhile, at right wing-back, Joel Cotterill and Ryan Howley, stepped in to cover for the injured Macauley Southam-Hales on Tuesday. Speaking about Cotterill filling in for Southam-Hales in this position during Friday’s press conference, Clarke told Bristol Live, “He played there a few times for Swindon. He’s an option we’ve got there, but we’ve got other options as well at right-back or right wing-back.

“We have flexibility within the squad to change it up. So, yeah, listen, Joel’s a player that – certainly for Joel and Freddie, it’s been a little mix-and-matchy. They’ve been away from internationals, Joel picked up injuries, you know, Joel can play a few positions, which is good.”

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Given that Joel Senior and Southam-Hales will be unavailable for this one, Cotterill will likely maintain his place as the right wing-back.

Kacper Lopata started in the back three on Tuesday, returning to the starting lineup for the first time since Crawley Town away in October. He came off in the 69th minute against Cambridge in some discomfort, but hopefully his withdrawal was a precaution. Even if Lopata is fit, we think Clarke will stick with the same three centre-backs that have started the last three league games.

Stephan Negru, Tom Lockyer, and Clinton Mola have all looked solid in recent weeks, conceding fewer chances and tightening up a defence that shipped 14 league goals in October.

Clinton Mola of Bristol Rovers attacks during the Sky Bet League 2 Match between Bristol Rovers and Gillingham at Memorial Stadium on 19 August 2025. Photo: Kara Thomas/PPAUK(Image: Photo: Kara Thomas/PPAUK)

We think they’ll start together, with the in-form Jack Sparkes completing the back five on the left-hand side. Sparkes has provided an attacking threat from out wide in recent weeks and remains a crucial player in Clarke’s preferred system.

Midfield

Josh McEachran returned to the starting lineup against the U’s after his impressive cameo against Notts County last Saturday. Managing his minutes will be important as he returns to full fitness, but we think he’ll start this one alongside Alfie Chang.

The 23-year-old has started the last four games in all competitions, with his energy out of possession crucial next to McEachran, whose main attributes lie with the ball.

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Attack and striker

The formation against Notts County was a 3-4-2-1, which can also be seen as a 3-4-3. Freddie Issaka made his first start for Rovers on Tuesday, and given that he is a conventional winger, we think he’ll start in the frontline again at Port Vale on the left-wing.

On the other flank, Luke Thomas looks likely to keep his place after adding some creativity to Rovers’ attacking play. He provided the assist for Ellis Harrison’s second goal on Tuesday, and Clarke will hope that partnership continues to develop, with the 47-year-old tipping Harrison to “go on a good run now,” following his first-half brace against Cambridge.

Ellis Harrison of Bristol Rovers during the EFL League Two match between Bristol Rovers and Salford City at the Memorial Stadium on 27 September 2025 in Bristol, England (Photo by Steve Taylor/PPAUK)

With Clarke predicted to select Harrison as the lone striker pm Saturday, it means that Fabrizio Cavegn, who scored in the first round win at Bromley, will miss out again. Callum Morton also provides Rovers with another attacking option, if they are looking for goals off the bench in this one, while also managing Harrison’s fitness.

Bristol Rovers predicted XI (3-4-3): Luke Southwood, Joel Cotterill, Stephan Negru, Tom Lockyer, Clinton Mola, Jack Sparkes, Alfie Chang, Josh McEachran, Luke Thomas, Freddie Issaka, Ellis Harrison.

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