Bristol R v Sheff United preview

Team news ahead of Saturday's FA Cup first-round tie between Bristol Rovers and Sheffield United at the Memorial Stadium.

Last Updated: 02/11/12 at 18:37   

Parkes: Suspended

Parkes: Suspended

Bristol Rovers will be without defender Tom Parkes.

The 20-year-old was sent off against AFC Wimbledon which ruled him out of the trip to Accrington but as a result of an FA hearing he will be banned for an additional game following comments he made after his red card.

Manager Mark McGhee does have another defender available again in Michael Smith whose mystery abdominal problem meant he also missed the defeat at The Crown Ground.

Loanees Tom Eaves and Matt Lund have been cleared to play in the match while Shaquille Hunter will be available having been ruled out with a knee problem since early August.

On-loan Chelsea goalkeeper Sam Walker is also expected to get a chance to impress. McGhee told the Bristol Evening Post: "He's a good goalkeeper, but also has a fantastic mental strength about him. He's training even harder now and if he comes in on Saturday for the FA Cup game then he'll certainly deserve his chance."

Sheffield United manager Danny Wilson has hinted that he could ring the changes for their cup tie.

The Blades are flying high in League One and are second only on goal difference, having lost just one match in all competitions, and Wilson is not likely to compromise their promotion chances for cup glory.

Dave Kitson definitely misses out for the second match running with a hamstring strain, while defender Lescinel Jean-Francois is also unavailable due to a knee injury.

Goalkeeper Mark Howard remains sidelined with a thigh problem so 18-year-old George Long continues to deputise, with Wilson praising the teenager's efforts in the first team this season.

"George's development is all about decision making. I have said countless times before his shot-stopping is absolutely first class," he told the club's official website.

Football365 Facebook Fan Page

The Football365 fan page is a great place to meet like minded people, have football related discussions and make new friends.

Sky Bet

    • Retrieving latest Sky Bet odds

FA Cup Fixtures

There are no fixtures at present.

Footer 365

Jose Mourinho moves closer to Real Madrid exit and Chelsea return

Jose Mourinho's Real Madrid fate will finally be sealed this week, paving the way for his return to Chelsea.

Raheem Sterling assault case dropped

Liverpool's Raheem Sterling has had a charge of common assault dropped after a witness failed to turn up to court.

Top-four so vital - Koscielny

Laurent Koscielny maintains the Arsenal players knew exactly what was at stake if they had failed to beat Newcastle on Sunday.

Mail Box

Arsenal Should Be Praised For Finishing Fourth

Arsenal fans are largely positive after their top four finish, whilst one wag suggest buying Bale from their rivals. We also have an interesting final mail. Enjoy...

James Collins Is Only 29. Tough Paper Round

He is one of a number of solid shouts for players that look old before their time. We also have the final words on lovely D-Beck and a rejection of end of season playoffs...

© 2013 British Sky Broadcasting Ltd. All Rights Reserved