Salop kick off 2026 with home game against Steve Evans’ Bristol Rovers.

After consecutive games on the road over the festive period, Michael Appleton’s team look to get 2026 off to a strong start with three points at the Croud Meadow.  

Key Players 

It’s fair to say that Bristol Rovers have not exactly been at their best over the last three months. The Gas have struggled to find form across the park, scoring just six in their previous 13 games, and conceding 33 in the same period.  

Their biggest attacking threat is Fabrizio Cavegn. The Swiss striker, signed from Vaduz in the summer, has scored five goals in 22 appearances for the Gas this season. It is worth noting, though, that he has only scored once in his last ten league outings.  

Midfielder Josh McEachran adds some experience in the middle of the park, but the 32-year-old has only chipped in with one goal and assist so far in what has been an underwhelming campaign for everyone at the Memorial Stadium.  

The Manager 

Steve Evans will be the man in charge of Bristol Rovers on New Year’s Day. The former Stevenage, Rotherham, and Leeds manager was appointed at the Memorial Stadium on December 16th following the dismissal of Darrell Clarke.  

Form  

Bristol Rovers come into Thursday’s game on a difficult run of form. The Gas have not won in 13, taking just one point in that time. Their last league win was at home to Salford on September 27th. They currently sit in 22nd, one position and one point below us in the league.  

Head-to-Head Record  

New Year’s Day will mark our 66th competitive encounter with Bristol Rovers since our first clash in 1961. The Gas have had the better of us over the years, winning 34 games to our 22, with 19 ending in a draw.