Bristol Rovers' search for form continues with a trip to Exeter City on Saturday, with Joey Barton's Gas desperate to end a seven-game winless run in League One. There is plenty of added spice when the Gas and Grecians meet in Devon this afternoon, which Barton making clear his simultaneous dislike and respect for Exeter and their coaching staff.
The bad blood has led the narrative going into the game, but the story that matters is the one that will be told by 5pm this evening. With eight points from 10 games, it is reasonable to expect Rovers to improve with their injury issues starting to relent, but Rovers do not want to give themselves too much catching up to do.
While Barton shared a positive update on his quartet of defenders at Thursday's press conference, plus Josh Coburn will link up with the Gas soon, but none of them are available to feature today. The only likely addition to Barton's options is Luca Hoole after missing last week's defeat to Accrington Stanley while on international duty with Wales under-21s.
