Bristol Rovers hope to make it three games unbeaten when they make the short trip to The New Lawn on Saturday to face Forest Green Rovers, and Joey Barton is set to keep changes at a minimum.
The Gas boss has settled on a formula in consecutive clean sheets against Oxford United and Barnsley, and with the squad in good health, he is unlikely to waver too far from the players that have served him well.
After an organised and sensible display in a goalless draw against promotion-chasing Barnsley last time out, Barton will want to see the same security but with a bit more cutting edge when they take on rock-bottom Forest Green, who are without a win under Duncan Ferguson and in desperate need of points to boost their slim chances of survival. 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
With successive clean sheets under their belt, Barton has no reason to change shape or personnel at the back. James Belshaw made a couple of crucial saves seven days ago and he will continue between the posts, with Ellery Balcombe to provide backup on the bench.
A 4-3-3 setup has served Rovers well of late Luca Hoole and Lewis Gordon should continue as the full-backs.
In the middle, Jarell Quansah and Lewis Gibson have shown the makings of a solid partnership in two appearances together and they are set to get the nod again.
On the bench, James Connolly and James Gibbons are able deputies that are assured of a place in the 18, and Calum Macdonald could also be in the squad that makes the trip.
Josh Grant is back in training seven months after his previous appearance, but he still has some way to go on his road to recovery from double knee surgery.
Midfield
Paul Coutts missed the Barnsley game with a knee injury and the expectation was he would be back in time for the trip to Nailsworth, but he did not train from Monday to Thursday this week meaning he is once again a doubt to be involved.
I’m his absence, Grant Ward stepped into the midfield three with Lamare Bogarde and stand-in captain Sam Finley, and Barton could well go for the same setup again.
However, if Barton is looking for a bit more creativity and attacking intent, Antony Evans and Luke McCormick are strong contenders to be named in the XI. Ultimately the manager could use those men in a finishing role if the Gas find themselves in need of a goal in the second half.
With Coutts possibly our, Glenn Whelan is in with a decent chance of offering an experienced option on the bench. Jordan Rossiter remains on the sidelines with a knee issue.
Attack
John Marquis has started the past three games, scoring once, but that does not do justice to his positive influence on the team as a focal point and link-up man in the middle of the front three. He deserves to keep his place.
Out wide, Aaron Collins and Scott Sinclair as set to be deployed once again, leaving Josh Coburn and Ryan Loft as excellent options to call on from the bench.
Harry Anderson, though, is unavailable after undergoing groin surgery.
Rovers (4-3-3): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Gibson, Lewis Gordon; Grant Ward, Lamare Bogarde, Sam Finley (c); Scott Sinclair, John Marquis, Aaron Collins.
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