Rovers face Cambridge in FA Cup tie

Bristol Rovers take on Cambridge United at The Memorial Stadium on Friday, November 6, 2026, in an FA Cup first-round match. The home side enters the fixture looking to reverse a slump in league play, having dropped seven points in their last nine League Two games.

Rovers sit 17th in the League Two table, four points above the relegation zone and four points behind the play-off spots. They collected just one point from six league matches in October. In contrast, Cambridge United, who won automatic promotion from League Two last season, occupy eighth place in League One. The visitors have won five, drawn six, and lost three times in 14 league games this season.

The teams met four times last season with two victories apiece. Cambridge United won the most recent encounter, a 3-1 league victory in February 2026. Bristol Rovers previously beat the visitors 1-0 in League Two in August 2025 and won a penalty shootout in the Vertu Trophy in December 2025. The U's also defeated Rovers 2-0 in the Carabao Cup in August 2025.

Manager Steve Evans has two key players back in the squad after suspensions. Tommy Leigh, a loanee from Bradford City, returns following a four-match ban. Kofi Balmer is also available after serving his own suspension. Bobby Kamwa and Ellis Harrison are competing to be fit for selection.

Rovers have not lost in the FA Cup first round since the 2018-19 season. They beat Barnet 2-1 in a replay at The Memorial Stadium that year. Last season, the Gas advanced past Bromley with a 2-1 away win before falling to Port Vale in the second round.

The club appointed Alex Weaver as its new Academy Manager. Weaver previously coached in Switzerland and Singapore. Another FA Cup match is scheduled for Friday night, featuring Oxford City against Leicester City.

Cambridge United manager Neil Harris leads his side to the match. The visitors are winless in their last four league games, including losses to Plymouth Argyle and Leyton Orient.