After a hectic October, the pace has slowed for Bristol Rovers in November, allowing the injury issues in Joey Barton's squad to ease and he has increased resources to choose from for Saturday's League One clash with Fleetwood Town.
Lewis Gibson and John Marquis are among the men back in contention to play this afternoon, with Josh Coburn back in the fold too after he sat out the FA Cup win over Rochdale a week ago at the request of parent club Middlesbrough.
As a result, Barton has options to make changes in each area of the pitch, but with Rovers in good form – losing just once in their past 10 games – the core of the side is sure to remain in place as Barton takes on his former club for the first time. Here is how the Gas could line up this afternoon...
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below...
Goalkeeper and defence
There is no debate over who starts in goal, with James Belshaw sure to be in the XI, with Anssi Jaakkola offering cover on the bench.
In defence, Barton will be pleased to welcome Gibson back into the fold but that leaves the manager with decisions to make. Barton has liked the balance of having right and left-footers at centre-half, so Gibson seems likely to come in, and James Connolly will retain his place.
Bobby Thomas would be unlucky to miss out after impressing in the starting job – and he could still be included if Barton goes for a back three – but Connolly and Gibson are front-runners for the starting spots long-term.
At full-back, James Gibbons and Lewis Gordon will likely edge out Luca Hoole and Trevor Clarke on the right and left respectively. Centre-half Alfie Kilgour could make the bench.
Midfield
Paul Coutts' continued absence means Sam Finley will retain the captain's armband and he will take up one of the three midfield roles against his former club. Barton has praised Scott Brown's side for their defensive structure, so the Rovers boss may choose to play Finley as the deeper midfielder to give the Gas a better range of passing from deep.
Antony Evans and Jordan Rossiter are the men who ought to join Finley in the middle of the park. Rossiter, another former Fleetwood player, will bring his trademark tenacity while Evans will be tasked with getting forward and creating chances.
Harry Anderson will miss out with a groin injury, but Luke McCormick, Glenn Whelan and Zain Westbrooke are available and could be called on from the bench.
Attack
Barton has two strikers returning in the shape of John Marquis and Josh Coburn. Marquis has recovered from a knee injury while Coburn is back after sitting out the FA Cup game.
With Coburn at full match fitness, he is expected to come straight back into the starting XI, with Marquis a good option to have off the bench. Ryan Loft could also sneak a seat in the dugout, but Barton's hopes are not high for him to be available due to a hamstring injury.
With Coburn leading the line, Aaron Collins and Scott Sinclair are set to be paired as wingers for the first time; on paper it is a dynamic and exciting front three and Barton will hope it delivers goals.
Harvey Saunders is another option for the bench, with his graft and speed proving valuable as a substitute last time out against Rochdale.
Rovers (4-3-3): James Belshaw; James Gibbons, James Connolly, Lewis Gibson, Lewis Gordon; Sam Finley (c), Jordan Rossiter, Antony Evans; Scott Sinclair, Aaron Collins, Josh Coburn
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