Our prediction for this League 2 match:
Bristol Rovers and Forest Green go head to head at Memorial Stadium in what is expected to be an interesting League Two game. The Pirates have found their form when they much needed it, with the team winning three of their last four league fixtures. Bristol Rovers impressed in a 3-1 win over Port Late, and they are surely capable of matching the league leaders on home soil.
Trevor Clarke has overcome his injury, meaning that head coach Joey Barton should have a full squad to choose from. The Green Army, on the other hand, faced no difficulties in a 2-0 win over Oldham. Forest Green are on the cusp of League One promotion, and seeing that the Pirates want this win more than the visitors, home triumph should be considered. All Whitehouse, Edwards, Covil, Bunker, and Stevens have been struggling with injuries of late, speaking of the away team.
Highlighted Player (Glenn Whelan):
Probably one of the most underrated footballers in Premier League history, Glenn Whelan was born on 13 January 1982 in Dublin and he went on to enjoy a very successful career on club and international level.
Following spells with Manchester City, Bury and Sheffield Wednesday, the defensive midfielder found his peace at the Britannia Stadium, making over 250 Premier League appearances for Stoke City and keeping his place in the side under both Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes. Predominantly focused on doing the dirty defensive work and helping out the back four, Whelan never quite made the headlines for his style of play or quality of his displays, but remained an important player for both club and country.
The midfielder has so far made over 70 appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team, wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions, and starting all three group games at the Euro 2012 finals, while helping The Green Army qualify for the Euro 2016 as well.
Highlighted Team (Forest Green):
Forest Green are an English club which was founded back in 1889. The Rovers host fellow League Two teams at the New Lawn, the stadium with the capacity of 5,302. Forest Green played their first home league game on October 6, 1889, with the team sharing the spoils with Brimscombe.
Green is the dominant colour of their home kit, and Forest Green footballers wear black shirts and black shorts when playing on the travels. In the 1981/82 season the club won the FA Vase, with the team beating Rainworth Miners Welfare 3-0 in the title game at Wembley Stadium.
It has to noted that town of Nailsworth, where Forest Green are based, is the smallest settlement to ever host a Football League club. In December 2012 the club won a prize for growing a field without using chemicals. cheltenham town are regarded as one of the club’s fiercest rivals.