Rovers reporter Rich Sharpe picks out three pre-match talking points ahead of Bristol City fixture.

INJURIES TO DEAL WITH

TONY Mowbray has had the luxury of naming an unchanged team for Rovers’ last three matches, something he isn’t expected to be afforded this time around.

Defender Darragh Lenihan looks set to be ruled out, one of four players injured in the defeat at Brentford. Charlie Mulgrew’s return should coincide with the Irishman’s absence to ease that blow.

Corry Evans struggled with a knock for some time at Griffin Park, and Richie Smallwood would be another straight swap should Mowbray want to freshen things up.

Giving the boss the most concern will be the injuries to frontmen Bradley Dack and Danny Graham. They have 25 goals between them this term, and given their importance, the Rovers boss will have to weigh up wanting them to be involved against doing any potential longer-term damage.

Last season, against Bristol Rovers and Gillingham, we saw how Dack couldn’t perform at his best when brought back too quickly.

TIGERS REPEAT

HAVING ended Hull’s 10-game unbeaten run, Rovers couldn’t stop Brentford making it nine without loss in all competitions.

Their challenge now is to stop a Bristol City side who have won five and drawn three of their last eight league fixtures.

That has catapulted them in to the top six, and Rovers will need to find a performance similar to that against Hull to topple the in-form Robins. Bristol City have won seven games in a row in all competitions, five by a one goal margin, so have been used to nicking tight matches.

Too many Rovers players slipped off their intensity levels in the second half last weekend, something they will need to regain quickly to stifle Lee Johnsons men.

A ROVERS RESPONSE

ROVERS’ troubles this season have largely been on the road, with just two defeats in their 15 Ewood fixtures. From their last nine home matches they have won five and drawn two.

So Mowbray will be hoping that it will be a case of home comforts once again as they look to respond to their Brentford humbling.

Only the top three sides have accrued more home points than Rovers, though only second-placed Leeds have more points away from home than Bristol City.