Darrell Clarke expects an even contest between "two good teams" when he returns to Bristol Rovers on Saturday with Port Vale.
Clarke cemented his legend status in BS7 by leading the Gas to from non-league to League One with back-to-back promotions in 2015 and 2016, and he will certainly be given a hero's welcome when he emerges from the tunnel at the Mem before kick-off.
His Vale side, who were promoted from League Two alongside Joey Barton's Gas last season, have made a strong start in League One, pulling off fine away wins against Derby County and Plymouth Argyle on their way to ninth place after 20 games. But Clarke recognises that 15th-placed Rovers – where he spent almost five years in charge from 2014-2018 – are in form, too, having lost just once in their past 10 league games.
