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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
David Byrom

A hero returns but something has got to give in a huge match - talking points as Bristol Rovers travel to Plymouth Argyle

Bristol Rovers make the trip to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday in what could prove to be a big game in the League One relegation battle.

Here are five talking points ahead of the contest.

A six-pointer?

With the League One relegation battle as tight as it is, every point counts in the race to safety. With Bristol Rovers sat just two points above the drop zone, and Plymouth Argyle a point further ahead of them, both teams know a win could well open up some breathing space over the other teams fighting against the drop.

'I didn't show Plymouth Argyle enough respect' - Ian Holloway on Bristol Rovers' trip to Home Park  

On the other hand, the losing team will be well and truly looking over their shoulder. A good one to win, this, but perhaps it's a better one not to lose.

Coughlan's return

Graham Coughlan celebrates a win whilst playing for Plymouth Argyle (Getty)

Graham Coughlan returns to Plymouth for the first time as a manager. The Gas boss is considered an Argyle legend, having made nearly 200 appearances in a four-year stay at Home Park between 2001 and 2005. In that time, he won two promotions and was the club's top scorer for one season - an impressive feat from the centre of defence. A good reception for the Gas boss is almost guaranteed.

An added twist is that, in 2015, Coughlan thought his managerial dreams were over when he was beaten to the Home Park hotseat by current Argyle boss Derek Adams. It will no doubt be a nice moment for the Gas boss to go back having finally secured a managerial role.

Something's got to give... unless it's a draw

Rovers are unbeaten in seven games on the road, whilst Argyle are unbeaten in seven home matches. So, unless it's a draw, one of those impressive records will be ended come 5pm on Saturday. The Gas have found a strong way to play away from home, with their resolute defence proving difficult to break down, and Jonson Clarke-Harris leading the line up front to make sure they continually have an attacking threat.

How the bookies rate Bristol Rovers' League One survival chances  

The Gas have ground out 1-0 wins over Gillingham and Scunthorpe United in their last two away matches - something similar would go down very well at Home Park.

Who replaces Lockyer?

Tom Lockyer of Bristol Rovers is marked by Regan Charles-Cook of Gillingham (Ryan Hiscott/JMP)

The Gas' recent successes have been built upon their defensive strengths, and captain Tom Lockyer has been at the heart of that. His rock-solid displays have really come to the fore in the last month, and he has created a strong partnership with Tony Craig in the centre of defence.

Yet Lockyer is on international duty with Wales at the moment, and will not be available for Saturday's game at Home Park. So who replaces him? The two main contenders are likely  to be young defender Alfie Kilgour, recently recalled from Maidenhead, or Gabriel Osho, on loan from Reading. Neither has much experience in the Gas' first team, so it will be interesting to see how they get on.

What Bristol Rovers can expect from Plymouth Argyle - including a vastly changed Home Park  

Who starts up front?

Tom Nichols and Jonson Clarke-Harris have formed a promising strike partnership in recent weeks, but former Exeter City striker Nichols is still struggling to find the goals. He looked quiet in a swirling wind against Charlton Athletic and it was noticeable the late impact powerful striker Alex Jakubiak had coming off the bench.

Will Jakubiak be rewarded for his cameo, or will Nichols continue?

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