Bristol Rovers and Bristol City unveil line‑ups for season‑opening fixtures

Bristol Rovers will start the 2026‑27 campaign in the Carabao Cup first round against Peterborough United at the Memorial Stadium on 8 August. Manager Steve Evans has confirmed Brad Young as the undisputed goalkeeper, while newcomers such as Tommy Leigh, Kofi Balmer and Bobby Kamwa have joined a squad that made eight signings in the summer window. The defence is expected to feature Macauley Southam‑Hales, Riley Harbottle, Ciarán Kelly and Balmer, with several options still being evaluated before the transfer‑window closes on 1 September.

Meanwhile, Bristol City’s pre‑season programme includes a friendly versus Newcastle United on a Wednesday, part of the Magpies’ build‑up ahead of their Premier League opener on 23 August. Head coach Michael Skubala has already overseen three summer friendlies, and the club’s eight new signings – notably Lorent Tolaj, who scored a brace against Swindon – will be available for selection. Newcastle, coached by Eddie Howe, have added four signings, including Bazoumana Toure, while key departures such as Anthony Gordon and Sandro Tonali are noted. Both Bristol clubs will also face additional lower‑league opponents later in August as they finalize squad selections for their respective league campaigns.