Bristol Rovers vs Plymouth Prediction & Betting Tips (11 November)

Bristol Rovers come into this EFL Trophy clash with plenty of questions hanging over their form. In the past two months, the Gas have endured a difficult run in League Two, suffering heavy defeats against Tranmere and Crawley, while also losing to Gillingham at home. However, they did manage to secure a hard-fought FA Cup win away at Bromley, which briefly lifted spirits. Off the pitch, the club has been in the news for honoring former players and engaging with the community, but manager Darrell Clarke has admitted that the squad needs to show more consistency if they are to compete on multiple fronts. The EFL Trophy now offers a chance to reset and perhaps find some momentum against higher-level opposition.

Plymouth Argyle, meanwhile, have been battling their own struggles in League One. Over the last two months, they have slipped to the bottom of the table after a string of defeats, including losses to Huddersfield, Wycombe, Mansfield, Exeter, and Wimbledon. Their only bright spot came in a spirited draw against Wigan, but overall, Tom Cleverley’s side has been under immense pressure from supporters. The club has also made headlines with the signing of experienced midfielder Joe Ralls, who was brought in to add leadership and stability to a side that has been leaking goals. With the Green Army growing restless, the EFL Trophy could be a welcome distraction and a chance to restore some confidence.



Looking at recent matches, Bristol Rovers’ form has been patchy at best. They were beaten 4-0 by Milton Keynes and 4-1 by Tranmere, showing defensive vulnerabilities that have been hard to ignore. Their only recent wins came against Bromley in the FA Cup and Cheltenham in the EFL Trophy group stage, but those results have been overshadowed by a string of league defeats. Plymouth, on the other hand, have been consistently losing, with their most recent outing a 3-1 defeat to Huddersfield that left them rooted at the bottom of League One. Despite their struggles, Plymouth have shown flashes of attacking intent through Lorent Tolaj, who has been their main source of goals this season.

When these two sides meet in the EFL Trophy, the contrast in divisions and squad depth could play a decisive role. Bristol Rovers will hope that home advantage at the Memorial Stadium can inspire them, but their defensive frailties remain a major concern. Plymouth, despite their poor league form, still possess more quality in midfield and attack, and the addition of Joe Ralls could provide the composure they have been lacking. Taking all factors into account, the prediction leans towards Plymouth Argyle securing a much-needed morale boost with a convincing performance. The forecasted scoreline is a 1:3 victory for Plymouth, reflecting their ability to exploit Rovers’ defensive lapses while finally finding some rhythm in front of goal.