Rovers shift their focus to the Carabao Cup on Wednesday as Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion travel to The Bolt New Lawn.
After a 2-0 win over Leyton Orient in the first round, Rovers now come up against top-flight opposition in the competition for the second season running.
Here’s a look at the Seagulls ahead of their trip to GL6.
IN THE DUGOUT: GRAHAM POTTER
Brighton manager Graham Potter became the boss in May 2019, leaving Swansea City after just under a year with the Welsh outfit.
The 47-year-old played as a left-back for 13 years in English football spending time at the likes of Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, York City and Macclesfield Town, where he retired in 2005.
Roles beyond professional football came within university football in England as well as a stint with the Ghana women’s team before he made the move to Östersunds FK as manager.
In an incredible seven and a half years with the club, Potter led the Swedish side to three promotions and a cup triumph which resulted in a memorable Europa League run.
Potter would return to the UK and join Swansea in 2019 where he spent just one season before moving down to the coast with Albion.
In his three full seasons to date Potter has really put his stamp on the club and most notably led the Seagulls to a ninth placed finish last term.
THE SQUAD
With a break from league action, it is likely Potter will take the opportunity to rotate his squad and give game time to some of the fringe players.
Exciting South American youngsters Julio Enciso and Jeremy Sarmiento mainly feature in the club’s under 23’s side but could be given a chance to showcase their talents by Potter.
Other under 23’s regular Ed Turns (above) could also feature on Wednesday night, he was involved in Brighton’s win over Swansea in last year’s competition.
EFL veteran shot stopper Jason Steele will also likely start in between the sticks rotating with usual number one Robert Sanchez.
Potter may also opt to give some competitive game time to new signings Levi Colwill and Deniz Undav, with the pair having played just a few minutes each in the league so far.
FORM – WDWWD (including 2021/22)
15/05/22 – Leeds United 1-1 Brighton and Hove Albion
22/05/22 – Brighton and Hove Albion 3-1 West Ham United
07/08/22 – Manchester United 1-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
13/08/22 – Brighton and Hove Albion 0-0 Newcastle United
21/08/22 – West Ham United 0-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
FAMILIAR FACE
Brighton’s number one Robert Sanchez had a brief spell on loan with Rovers during the first half of our 2018/19 League Two campaign.
The 24-year-old made 17 appearances and kept two clean sheets during his time in GL6 before returning to Brighton as cover for the unavailable Mat Ryan.
Sanchez has gone on to be key a part of the Seagulls’ Premier League squad and has cemented the goalkeeper spot, playing 68 games for the club so far.
He has also has one international cap for Spain to his name, coming on as a substitute against Georgia in September last year and a member of the Euro 2020 squad.
LAST TIME OUT
Brighton continued their impressive unbeaten start to the 2022/23 Premier League season by beating West Ham United 2-0 at the London Stadium.
It took the Seagulls just over 20 minutes to take the lead in the capital and they were awarded the chance to do so from the penalty spot.
Thilo Kehrer put in a poor challenge on striker Danny Welbeck just inside the box before Alexis McAllister calmly stroked home the opener.
Into the second half and some brilliant link up play in the Brighton midfield set Leandro Trossard in on goal and the Belgian didn’t falter, rolling home a second.
The Hammers tried to get back into proceedings but some great saves from keeper Robert Sanchez ensured the three points were heading back with Graham Potter’s side.
