Just like Bristol Rovers, Leyton Orient have not been able to play since going down 2-1 at home to Southend on December 28 because of the recent freeze.

Similar problems this time last year also meant both clubs making a belated start to the new year. They met at Brisbane Road on January 17 and Rovers' 2-1 victory was to signal the departure of Orient boss Martin Ling, whose side were in an identical position in the league.

Current manager Geraint Williams – a fomer Gas old boy – is unlikely to suffer the same fate, whatever the result this weekend, and the Welshman will be boosted by the fact he should have several key players back in contention.

The O's were missing both their regular full-backs for the Southend game, but skipper Stephen Purches has now recovered from illness and Charlie Daniels is fit again after sustaining an ankle injury during the Boxing Day clash at Brighton.

The duo are set to return to the side and midfield dangerman Sean Thornton will also be available. Striker Ryan Jarvis has also recovered from illness and Williams has strengthened the Londoners' striking options by recruiting 25-year-old Jonathan Téhoué, who has played top-flight football in France, Belgium and Turkey.

"We had Jonathan in before Christmas and he impressed us in training and in the reserve game he played," Williams said of the Parisian. "It took a while for his international clearance to come through, but he is available now."