COLCHESTER United head to the Memorial Stadium tonight, looking to extend their unbeaten run to five matches.

But they face a Bristol Rovers side who themselves are in a good run of form.

The Gas have lost only one of their last nine matches and sit two points off League Two's automatic promotion places.

We spoke to BristolWorld football writer Jordan Jones about Joey Barton's side, ahead of the U's trip to play them tonight.

Rovers had hit a really good run of form – what’s been the secret behind their improvement?

"The club has made some changes off the pitch over the last few months, by installing a new young CEO, whilst there also being an emphasis on fan engagement.

"After two years of no fans and their team being relegated, it would take a lot of work to repair the relationship between club and supporters but it looks to be working.

"Fans are flocking back to the Mem and that’s resonating with the players who are high on confidence right now.

"Joey Barton, even through the most difficult of periods, had remained positive that Bristol Rovers would be at the top end of the table come the end of the season.

"There’s multiple clips of him on social media where he says ‘I know we’re going to get promoted’ and that’s the genuine belief right now."

Gazette:

Who has been Rovers’ key player?

"Right now it has to be Aaron Collins, but there’s also Elliot Anderson and Antony Evans (pictured above, with Brendan Wiredu), who can cause problems in that frightening attacking midfield three.

"Collins has been instructed to follow the games of Roberto Firmino and Roberto Lewandowski and to his own ability, he’s doing well as the focal point of the team.

"He’s not a traditional out-and-out number nine but he’s scoring his chances now.

"Anderson meanwhile scored a fine solo goal on the weekend and there’s a feeling with the talent he has that he’s playing at a level beneath him.

"Antony Evans, also a central attacking midfielder, is a danger from set pieces and can score from long distance, as seen with strikes against Leyton Orient and Barrow.

Gazette:

Aaron Collins (pictured above, right) was at Colchester on loan a few seasons ago - how has he been performing?

"It was a slow start for Collins who was wondering when he’d find the back of the net with his first few only coming in the FA Cup.

"Collins though since finding the net against Port Vale in December has been on a good run of form and now has 13 goals for the season following his brace on the weekend, a career best.

Gazette:

Colchester were strongly linked with Ryan Loft before he joined Rovers, in January. How has he done, so far?

"It’s been a real slow start for him as he’s been limited to a few appearances after being ruled out for a few weeks with injury.

"His absence coupled with the form of Aaron Collins and the return of Leon Clarke has meant that he’s had to come off the bench and has been unable to impact any games.

"Loft still has time on his side but given a number nine was a priority in January, he has so far had a slow start."

Gazette:

Is automatic promotion now the main target for Gas, with ten games to go?

"For sure, for weeks with all the games in hand, the play-offs were the main objective but after a look at the table, there’s no reason why they can’t contend for an automatic spot.

"Other teams will now have their games in hand but it’s not a bygone conclusion that they result into points on the board.

"If Rovers can improve against the teams in and around them then they have all the reason to challenge.

"They have a squad that has a good amount of squad depth and they’ve hit form at the right time."