Bristol Rovers take on Peterborough United in the first round of the Carabao Cup, with the fixture being poignant for Bristol Rovers manager Steve Evans, as he faces a visit from his former employers.
The incredible work from Steve Evans at the Memorial Stadium enabled the Pirates to record a comfortable mid-table finish after being threatened with the prospect of relegation. Bristol Rovers ended their league campaign as one of the in-form teams in the division, with eight wins in their final nine league matches, showing the remarkable progress from Steve Evans and his managerial staff.
Bristol Rovers are one of the favourites for promotion in League Two ahead of the new season, and the Pirates have utilised the free transfer market, bringing in Ben Purrington, Ciaran Kelly and Kofi Balmer from Cambridge United, Bradford City and Motherwell respectively.
As for Peterborough United, the Posh are expected to endure another painful season, with the visitors touted as one of the relegation prospects early doors in League One. Luke Williams did a terrific job in eventually guiding the Posh to survival last season; however, their form towards the latter stages reflects where the squad is currently at these days, far away from the days of competing in the playoffs. Last season, the visitors faced an early exit from this competition at the hands of Accrington Stanley.
Peterborough United have lost their main outlet from last season in Kyrell Lisbie, whilst in the midfield area, they are yet to find a replacement for the departing Archie Collins. Luke Williams will still look to the attacking talents of Harry Leonard, but defensively, the Posh still concede and will likely do so here against Bristol Rovers.
Bristol Rovers 2-1 Peterborough United
