Joey Barton believes Bristol Rovers face one of their toughest tests of the season on Saturday when Barnsley visit the Mem, but the Bristol Rovers boss has the benefit of a near fully-fit squad to choose from.
Harry Anderson’s absence after undergoing groin surgery on Friday is a blow, as is the continued unavailability of Jordan Rossiter with a knee injury.
But with Ryan Loft back from suspension the Gas boss has plenty of options when selecting his XI to take on the in-form Tykes, who have won six of their last seven matches. Here is how the Gas could line up…
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper and defence
James Belshaw regained his place in the starting XI last time out at Oxford United and he did not put a foot – or glove – wrong in a 3-0 win at the Kassam Stadium. As a result, he will keep his spot in the line-up, with Ellery Balcombe on the bench.
With no injury complications since and a clean sheet in the bank, the back four in front of Belshaw should also be unchanged.
Luca Hoole scored, but he was outstanding all round at right-back, and Lewis Gordon continues to mature on the left, keeping January arrival Calum Macdonald out of the side. In the middle, loanees from across Stanley Park should be paired in Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah and Everton’s Lewis Gibson.
Centre-back James Connolly, the versatile James Gibbons and left-back Macdonald are options to provide cover from the bench.
Midfield
Barton blended youth and experience to good effect at Oxford and that will be the order of the day again against an energetic and impactful Barnsley midfield, who will likely have Josh Benson back among their ranks.
Paul Coutts will wear the captain’s armband and he is set to be joined by his mate Sam Finley on one side and Aston Villa prospect Lamare Bogarde on the other. Antony Evans has to be a consideration, given the extra creativity he brings - plus his dead ball delivery - but given the nature of the opponent, Barton may opt for something a little more compact with the playmaker likely to be utilised in the latter period of the game.
With Finley back in the side after his suspension he can take on that attacking mantle while also reinforcing Rovers in a defensive sense and alongside Coutts and Bogarde, the trio brought energy, creativity and tenacity in equal measure.
Barton will hope for a repeat performance, meaning Grant Ward, Evans and Luke McCormick will likely have to settle for seats on the bench. Player-coach Glenn Whelan is also an option if required.
Attack
The absence of Anderson affects Barton’s ability to set up to counter like he did in the Ipswich game last month. Therefore, the front three could also be unchanged.
Loft is fresh back from suspension and he admits he is the type of player who needs minutes to get back up to speed, while Josh Coburn continues to be affected by a slight knee niggle that has limited him to a bench role lately. So, it should be John Marquis again as the central striker, with Aaron Collins and Scott Sinclair playing beside him.
Rovers (4-3-3): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Gibson, Lewis Gordon; Paul Coutts (c), Sam Finley, Lamare Bogarde; Scott Sinclair, Aaron Collins, John Marquis
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