Our prediction for this League 1 match:
After dropping two points in a goalless draw with Exeter, Derby County will be looking to move closer to the playoffs berth when they take on Bristol Rovers on Matchday 17. The Rams are eager to return to winning ways in the League One, but keep in mind that defender James Chester misses out with injury. The Pirates, on the other hand, have been in a fine form of late, with the team climbing the standings week by week.
Bristol Rovers are undefeated in the previous eight games in all competitions, which is probably the main reason why we predict they will grab something from Saturday’s match. Ryan Loft limped off with injury in a midweek draw with Sheffield Wednesday, with Harry Anderson likely to step up. The opposition back-line should have talented winger Joshua Coburn at bay as the 19-year-old has found his goal-scoring touch of late.
Highlighted Player (Craig Forsyth):
Craig Forsyth is a left back who is capable of playing as a midfielder as well. The Derby County footballer was born on 24 February, 1989 and he started his youth career at Carlogie Boys Club. Forsyth spent five years in Dundee (2006-2011), but it has to be noted that he played for Montrose and Arbroath (on loan) during his spell at Dens Park.
The Scottish footballer joined Watford in June, 2011 for an undisclosed fee and he did well to score on his debut against Burnley in the opening match of the 2011/2012 Championship campaign. He played 20 games for the Hornets in the 2011/2012 season, but on 19 October, 2012, he was sent on loan to Bradford City.
After ending his loan spell with Bradford, Forsyth signed a loan deal with Derby County on 4 March, 2013 and nine months later he penned a permanent teal with the Rams. The left back made 46 league appearances for Derby County in the 2013/2014 campaign, scoring two goals in the process.
Highlighted Team (Bristol Rovers):
Established back on August 1, 1883, Bristol Rovers are one of the oldest clubs in the League One. Bristol Rovers were formed after a meeting at the Eastville Restaurant under the name of Black Arabs after the Arabs rugby team.
This name, though, lasted no more than one season as the club was renamed Eastville Rovers in 1884. Five years later the club’s name was officially changes to Bristol Rovers. Nicknamed the Pirates, Bristol Rovers welcome their opponents at Memorial Stadium Horfield, the venue with the capacity of 12,296. Bristol Rovers are well known for their blue and white home kit, but they are dressed in yellow when playing on the travels.
Ricky Lambert, who used to play for the likes of Southampton and Liverpool in the Premier League, is regarded as one of the club’s most notable footballers. It has to be noted that Lambert scored 51 goals in 128 appearances for the Pirates in the league.