Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three talking points ahead of the trip to Wigan Athletic.

BOUNCEBACKABILITY

Rovers aren’t used to losing matches, and they certainly aren’t to losing two in a row.

Each of last seven league defeats, stretching back to October 2017, has been followed by a positive result.

So far this season, a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa came after the 4-1 reverse at Bristol City. 

The 2-0 defeat to Sheffield United was followed up by a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanders, while they responded to the 3-1 loss at Swansea with a 1-1 draw at West Brom.

So they have proven their credentials at responding to a setback, a record they will be looking to continue against Wigan.

But they will have to improve on a record which has seen them win just once in nine visit to the DW Stadium since the 3-0 success on New Year’s Day 2007 which did infact make it four wins in a row away to the Latics.

BENNETT BLOW

Trying to predict the Rovers team under Tony Mowbray has proven to be something of a futile task. But the name of Elliott Bennett, in whatever position, is usually among the 11.

However, that won’t be the case tomorrow night after picking up a fifth booking of the season late in the piece at Preston.

Bennett was hoping to erase memories of his sending off at the DW Stadium last season, the second controversially for simulation, but Rovers will need to find a replacement.

The most likely options would be either Danny Graham, in a move which would see Kasey Palmer move out wide, or to recall Corry Evans and move Harrison Reed out wide.

Or Mowbray could choose to ring the changes further after the most disappointing performance of the season last time out. 

THE BATTLE RESUMES

Relegated and promoted together within the last two seasons, the two clubs have followed similar paths.

Rovers will start this one six places and five points above the Latics, as they continue to fly the flag for the trio of promoted sides.

While Wigan tipped Rovers to the title last season, both games between the teams, which ended in draws, were closely fought.

The hosts could well be without star man Nick Powell, forced off through injury in the weekend’s stalemate with Reading.

So how Rovers would love Bradley Dack, likely to come in for some stick from the home fans, to find the sparkle that has deserted his performances of late.