By Joey Barton’s own admission, the victory over Oxford United on Saturday was more of a statement and expression of Bristol Rovers’ qualities than the comprehensive triumph in Burton Albion seven days previously.
Against a genuine play-off contender, Rovers were disciplined, diligent, compact and competitive for the whole of the 90 minutes and well worth their three points which has taken them into third in the early League One standings.
Tonight’s contest at Oakwell will be a further examination of such attributes, as although Barnsley have made a mixed start to the campaign with wins over Cheltenham Town and Middlesbrough in the League Cup tempered by defeats to Plymouth Argyle and Derby County, they are a dangerous team with quality across the park and surely will be considerably higher than their 19th position presently suggests.
Rovers once again have a positive bounce in their step and with Barton's squad options increasing due to returning players from injury and suspension plus some new faces through the door, that early season anxiety has evaporated. Here's how we think they will line up...
Goalkeeper and defence
After earning a clean sheet and restricting Oxford United to very few chances on Saturday, it is hard to make a case for Barton to make defensive changes at Oakwell.
James Belshaw’s place in goal is set in stone, with Anssi Jaakkola set to provide cover on the bench.
In the centre of defence, Luca Hoole and James Connolly are forging a solid partnership and are very likely to start again. Lewis Gordon will be the left-back and Harry Anderson delivered as the right-back for his manager on Saturday.
A winger by trade but Anderson's athleticism and endeavour mean he gives Rovers a bit of everything in each third. He could well play at full-back again.
Barton is getting closer to having the depth he wants in the squad with recent arrivals and players coming back from injury. Lewis Gibson made his debut as a substitute on Saturday and is set to be on the bench again. Josh Grant and Alfie Kilgour will also be involved. James Gibbons has been ruled out for several weeks with a stress fracture in his foot.
Midfield
Glenn Whelan did an invaluable job for his manager on Saturday by delivering a 60-minute shift in the scorching heat, allowing Jordan Rossiter and Paul Coutts to be eased back into action after injury.
But one member from that duo could replace the Irishman in the starting XI, should either be deemed fit enough. Rossiter played slightly longer than Coutts on Saturday (31 minutes compared to 19), indicating he may be further along after a hamstring niggle and he could be Rovers’ deepest midfielder at Oakwell.
Sam Finley and Antony Evans are certain to retain their places as the number eights, tasked with roaming from box to box, supporting the attacking unit but also fulfilling defensive duties.
Academy pair Jerry Lawrence and Ryan Jones, who were on the bench for the opening games of the season, could be part of the travelling party, although places in the 18 are becoming increasingly hard to come by.
Attack
Rovers’ front three functioned well on Saturday, with each man playing a crucial part in the win.
John Marquis – the number nine – led the line with plenty of nous, giving every defender a hard time, and he headed home the winning goal to open his Gas account.
Meanwhile on the flanks, Aaron Collins grabbed the assist for Collins goal and was a consistent threat, and Harvey Saunders’ delivered a high-octane performance that unsettled the Oxford defence and gave Rovers an outlet. Collins is certain to start and Saunders deserves to keep his place.
Ryan Loft will make the bench, and Harvey Greenslade could travel, too, but he is in a similar situation to Lawrence and Jones; competition is increasing by the game.
Rovers (4-3-3): Belshaw; Anderson, Hoole, Connolly, Gordon; Evans, Rossiter, Finley; Saunders, Marquis, Collins
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