After both missing out on victories last weekend, Bristol Rovers and Hartlepool United will look to pick up three points at the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night as the season reaches a climax.

 

Rovers, on the one hand, have seen a halt in their promotion charge as of late - having only won one match of their last five in the league.

The slump in form has seen the West country side drop to tenth in the League Two standings and out of the play-off places.

Nevertheless, the Gas will look to bounce back on Tuesday night to boost their promotion hopes. Just two points separate Rovers, in tenth, and Portsmouth in fifth.

The visitors, on the other hand, find themselves in a very different position. Pools go into the game sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone, although they have three games in hand on both 23rd-placed York and Yeovil, who are just a point better off.

Therefore, Hartlepool boss Craig Hignett has reiterated the importance to pick up vital points and move clear of any unwelcome relegation speculation.

Here are THREE things we should look for ahead of the League Two encounter......

1) Rovers' versatility

Throughout this season, Darrell Clarke has taken pride in his ability to change the side in relation to how the game is panning out.

He often favours a 3-5-2 formation that allows full-backs Daniel Leadbitter and Lee Brown to venture up the pitch to provide extra attacking options.

2) Tom Lockyer

The Welsh U21 International was voted Football League Young Player of the Month for December in 2015.

He has also impressed many at the Memorial Stadium as his athletic build and excellent understanding of the game make Rovers' defence very secure and stable.

3) Billy Paynter

The Pools striker has scored nine league goals this campaign and will look to add to his tally on Tuesday night.

However, his presence will need to be backed up by other Pools players who have all failed to score more than five goals this season.

Injury News

Rovers hope to have Stuart Sinclair available for Hartlepool's visit to the Memorial Stadium. The Midfielder missed Saturday's 1-0 defeat at Wycombe with a groin injury but has a chance of being fit for the Sky Bet League 2 fixture.

Ellis Harrison has been sidelined for five weeks with an ankle injury, and the striker will hope to feature against opponents he played two games for during a loan spell last month.

For Hartlepool, Midfielder Michael Duckworth will be missing for up to three weeks longer after undergoing hernia surgery, while defender Harry Worley continues to work his way back from a long-standing ankle problem.