Prediction Cheltenham Town vs Bristol Rovers 2025/2026 season – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 07/10/2025

Match preview: home comforts or away momentum?

Cheltenham Town welcome Bristol Rovers to The EV Charger Points Stadium on 07/10/2025 in a Southern Group Stage clash that promises edge-of-the-seat moments despite mixed recent form from both camps. The fixture arrives with referee Matthew Russell appointed and a compact crowd of up to 7,066 expected on a Whaddon Road night. Cheltenham arrive buoyed by a 2-0 League Two win over Fleetwood Town on 04/10 — a game where Isaac Hutchinson produced the evening’s standout performance — but that victory masks a bumpy run of results that includes heavy defeats and a meagre return of goals in cup competition so far.

Bristol Rovers, who sit above Cheltenham in the group after a high-scoring opener, arrive with far steadier form over the last weeks. Their string of wins and productive attacking displays across league fixtures underline a team in better rhythm, even if they suffered a 2-1 reverse at Walsall on 04/10 where A. Kilgour was highlighted as the best performer on the day. The Rovers’ group statistics show they can both score and concede in quantity, suggesting this clash could be open rather than a trench warfare slog.

Form and statistical edge

The numbers give Bristol Rovers a clear advantage. They generated an average of 18 total shots with six on target in the dataset available, and their dangerous attacks figure is notably high. By contrast, Cheltenham’s match-by-match shot production is anaemic: six total shots in their sample with none on target, painting a picture of a side that struggles to trouble goalkeepers from inside the box. Cheltenham’s recent EFL Trophy outing left them without a goal and two conceded, while Rovers have already been involved in a goal-laden group game. Head-to-head history also leans toward the visitors — the last meeting in April 2024 ended 1-3 in favour of Bristol Rovers.

Tactically, Cheltenham must rediscover cutting edge and accuracy in the final third to unsettle a Rovers side that looks more comfortable creating chances. Expect Bristol Rovers to press their advantage in territory and shot volume, looking to exploit Cheltenham’s recent instability.

Prediction and betting suggestion

The balance of form, shot metrics and recent head-to-head history point to an away victory. Backing Bristol Rovers in the 1X2 market is the clearest play: their attacking output and steadier run of results suggest they can nick the three points on the road in this group-stage encounter. Final scoreline prediction: Cheltenham Town 0-2 Bristol Rovers.

Betting suggestion: 1X2 — Back Bristol Rovers to win (Away).