Bristol Rovers predicted team vs Cheltenham Town with Luke Southwood and Joel Cotterill to return
Bristol Live’s predicted Bristol Rovers team to face Cheltenham Town as Darrell Clarke’s side look to steer clear of the League Two relegation zone
Luke Southwood made important saves in Bristol Rovers’ 1-1 draw at Colchester United(Image: Kieran McManus/Shutterstock)
After six consecutive league defeats, Bristol Rovers are looking down rather than up. Their slump in form has seen them drop from seventh to 19th in the League Two table, since the 2-1 win against Salford City in late September.
Next up is a trip to the EV Charger Points Stadium, as they face Steve Cotterill’s Cheltenham Town. The former Bristol City manager has overseen a significant improvement since taking over at the end of September, winning the October Manager of the Month award after picking up 10 points from four games.
Despite this, two league defeats in a row has seen Cheltenham slip back into the relegation zone, leaving them a point from safety. They know that a win by two goals or more against the Gas would lift them ahead of Darrell Clarke’s side.
With that said, here is how we think Rovers will set up against Cheltenham Town…
READ MORE: Brad Young discusses disappointing form, Luke Southwood relationship and adjusting to life in Bristol
OPINION
Goalkeeper and defence
Brad Young deputised for Luke Southwood when the Northern Ireland international was away with Michael O’Neill’s side.
He kept a clean sheet against 10-man Plymouth Argyle before conceding three in the defeat at Accrington Stanley, despite pulling off an impressive save to deny Paddy Madden in the lead-up to Isaac Sinclair’s goal.
With Southwood now back, he will start against Cheltenham.
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Macauley Southam-Hales has started at right wing-back in recent weeks, but we think Clarke might revert to a back four, given the defensive injuries and the return of Ellis Harrison. The 29-year-old will start as the right-back in a back four.
Stephan Negru and Tom Lockyer have been two of the few positives for the Gas in the six-match losing run in League Two. Both have looked largely comfortable and up to the task, with patience needed for Negru, especially given his injury issues at the start of the season.
The defensive pair have shown they can be relied on, and we think they’ll start as the two central defenders.
Meanwhile, since Jack Sparkes’ red card at Crawley Town, Clarke has mostly played Bryant Bilongo as the left wing-back. Clinton Mola is capable of playing as a left-back, but we think Clarke will call on Sparkes, who has made 19 appearances in all competitions.
Jack Sparkes pictured in action for Bristol Rovers(Image: Will Cooper/Shutterstock)
Midfield
Joel Cotterill has returned from international duty after playing 45 minutes for Wales’ Under-21s.
Alfie Chang and Cotterill started as the two central midfielders in the FA Cup win against Bromley and the 1-0 defeat at home to Gillingham.
Kamil Conteh has stepped up when Cotterill has been away, though, scoring two goals in as many games.
With confidence lacking in Rovers’ squad, we think Clarke will keep Conteh in the lineup, alongside Cotterill and Chang to make a midfield three.
Kamil Conteh of Bristol Rovers applauds fans following defeat in the EFL League Two match between Accrington Stanley and Bristol Rovers at The Wham Stadium on 15 November 2025 in Accrington, England (Photo by Steve Taylor/PPAUK)
Attack and striker
In terms of the wide players, we think Clarke will opt for Shaq Forde on the right with Harrison on the other side. Forde has shown glimpses of quality in recent games, especially against Gillingham, while Harrison provided the Gas with a physical outlet at Accrington, which has been missing in recent weeks.
The 31-year-old played 67 minutes at the Wham Stadium and was deployed on the left-wing in a 4-2-3-1 in the second half.
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We think he will start as part of a front three with Cavegn and Forde, but the shape could be flexible, with Harrison drifting to the left and one of Chang or Cotterill going into a number 10 role at times to make a 4-2-3-1.
Ellis Harrison of Bristol Rovers and Fabrizio Cavegn of Bristol Rovers appeal for a penalty during the EFL League Two match between Accrington Stanley and Bristol Rovers at The Wham Stadium on 15 November 2025 in Accrington, England (Photo by Steve Taylor/PPAUK)
Only time will tell what Clarke opts for, but he needs to make big decisions, as the Rovers look to end their six-match losing streak in League Two.
Bristol Rovers predicted XI (4-3-3): Luke Southwood, Macauley Southam-Hales, Stephan Negru, Tom Lockyer, Jack Sparkes, Kamil Conteh, Joel Cotterill, Alfie Chang, Shaq Forde, Ellis Harrison, Fabrizio Cavegn.
OPINION
READ MORE: ‘He has been excellent’ – Isaac Hutchinson verdict and Steve Cotterill impact at Cheltenham Town ahead of Bristol Rovers visit
