It's an overused word in football, and no doubt will be applicable several times between now and the end of the season, but this feels like an important week for Bristol Rovers.
The Gas face Oldham and Mansfield Town in the next five days, two very winnable games that could move Joey Barton's side ever closer to the play-off positions. But, equally, could restore a sense of reality about where the team are should a reasonable points haul not be yielded.
Things do feel very much on the up, with Rovers unbeaten in five and Barton now possessing an impressive array of attacking options, and if momentum can be maintained this week, who knows where that confidence can take them in what is a wide-open race for the top seven.
Here is how Rovers could line up at Boundary Park on Tuesday…
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper and defence
James Belshaw’s knee injury will rule him out, meaning Anssi Jaakkola will start in goal at Boundary Park. Jed Ward will be his understudy.
Jaakkola was culpable for Sutton's goal on Saturday, which could be put down to a lack of game time as it was his first start since August, but thereafter was his usual self and made some crucial saves, especially at the end of the game.
In defence, Barton could keep the same back four that started at Sutton.
Luca Hoole returns from suspension, but he may not get straight back in the team due to Nick Anderton’s strong performance at Gander Green Lane. Anderton could keep his place at left-back, meaning Josh Grant stays on the right with Hoole making the bench.
Connor Taylor and James Connolly will be the starting centre-backs, with Cian Harries and Pablo Martinez options for the bench.
Harry Anderson was vital in securing a point at Sutton, winning the penalty, but he may once again have to be content with a seat in the dugout.
Alex Rodman could be involved as part of the squad following his injury recovery, but Trevor Clarke and Junior Brown remain on the injury list.
Midfield
All signs point to Elliot Anderson making his full debut for the Gas, with Barton declaring that Rovers had signed a “gem” in the Newcastle loanee.
He replaced Glenn Whelan off the bench at Sutton and he could do so from the start on Tuesday, coming into the starting XI to play alongside Paul Coutts in central midfield.
Sam Finley is set to feature after missing two games with a muscle complaint, but he may not be rushed into the starting XI.
Jon Nolan is unlikely to be involved, with Barton planning on including the new signing for the first time against Mansfield Town at the weekend after a long period out with injury.
Attack
Ryan Loft and Leon Clarke have been ruled out of tonight's game, with the pair expected to miss another fortnight with injury. In their absence, the Gas could field the same front four that took the field at Sutton.
Luke Thomas and Sam Nicholson could start on the flanks with Antony Evans playing as a number 10 and top scorer Aaron Collins leading the line.
Harvey Saunders, Sion Spence and Ryan Jones are then options for the bench.
Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): Jaakkola; Grant, Taylor, Connolly, Anderton; Coutts, E. Anderson; Thomas, Evans, Nicholson; Collins
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