ADVER Sport takes a look at Swindon Town's next League One opponents, Bristol Rovers.

THE CHALKBOARD 

Swindon Advertiser:

SINCE sealing automatic promotion from League Two last term, Bristol Rovers are understandably feeling their way back into life in English football’s third tier.

Results have so far been a mixed bag for Darrell Clarke’s side in League One, with Rovers winning one of their opening four matches – a 2-1 triumph over fellow new-boys Oxford United on August 17.

In the EFL Cup, however, Clarke’s men have impressed, beating Cardiff City 1-0 in front of the TV cameras in the first round and scoring twice against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek.

Rovers are more comfortable on the front foot than when they’re forced to go on the defensive but will evolve as they continue to get back to grips with tackling opposition from this level.

LIKELY LINE-UP

Swindon Advertiser:

A MAN IN FORM: Ellis Harrison

Swindon Advertiser:

ELLIS Harrison has begun this season showing signs that he may be ready to fully realise his potential.

A regular scorer as Rovers were promoted back into the Football League in 2014-15, the 22-year-old striker found game-time more difficult to come by last term and was loaned out to Hartlepool United in January but only played two games as that move was curtailed by an ankle injury.

Harrison was also criticised by some Rovers fans for attending a Bristol City match in November after receiving a free ticket from Wales U21 team-mate Wes Burns but the frontman has had a happier time so far this season.

In his second start of the current campaign, Harrison found the net in a 2-1 home loss to Bolton Wanderers and on Wednesday, he tucked away a penalty against Chelsea.

TREATMENT ROOM

THERE is every chance that Rovers could arrive at the County Ground on Saturday with a full-strength squad at their disposal.

Manager Clarke prefers to stay tight-lipped when it comes to the fitness of his players but two experienced midfielders could be passed fit to feature against Town this weekend.

Vice-captain Lee Mansell has yet to play this season due to a calf problem whilst former Republic of Ireland international Liam Lawrence has also been sidelined thus far, with the ex-Sunderland and Stoke City man missing out through a knock sustained in pre-season.

However, Mansell, 33, and Lawrence, 34, are understood to have trained this week and could be in line for their comebacks.

On Thursday, Rovers announced the loan signing of 20-year-old defender Connor Roberts from Swansea City.

The Wales U21 international will be at the Memorial Stadium for six months and his debut may come against Town.

OPPOSITION FORM GUIDE

Tue, Aug 23 – EFL Cup – 3-2 Loss v Chelsea (A)

Sat, Aug 20 – SkyBet League 1 – 0-0 Draw v Southend (A)

Wed, Aug 17 – SkyBet League 1 – 2-1 Loss v Bolton (H)

Sun, Aug 14 – SkyBet League 1 – 2-1 Win v Oxford Utd (H)

Thur, Aug 11 – EFL Cup – 1-0 Win v Cardiff (H)

TOP GOALSCORERS

Matty Taylor 2, Ellis Harrison 2, Peter Hartley 2

DISCIPLINE

Ollie Clarke 3Y, Tom Lockyer 2Y, Chris Lines 1Y

THE STAT

The last permanent transfer deal involving Town and Bristol Rovers happened in July 1986 when Swindon signed Tim Parkin for £27,500.