Joey Barton has always wanted his Bristol Rovers team to be fluid when it comes down to formations and patterns of play, but the manager has a big decision to make about the setup of his side for Saturday's clash with Peterborough United at the Mem.
A 4-3-3 setup has served the Gas pretty well of late, but a half-time pivot to a back three to match up Fleetwood Town's shape last time out brought big success. Peterborough, too, have played a back three of late, so a 3-5-2 setup could be in order again to give the Gas a better starting platform after struggling in the first half last Saturday.
Barton will have no qualms with changing shape; he trusts his players to play any system and he has the resources to make a smooth transition from a back four to a three-man defence. He also has the boost of a big player returning from injury in the shape of Ryan Loft, and with that in mind 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
James Belshaw had a familiar feeling last time out, having a relatively quiet game but having to scoop the ball out of his net twice after momentary lapses in the defence left him exposed. He will start between the sticks on Saturday and he will demand full concentration from the players in front of him after shipping a lot of avoidable goals of late.
He could have a back three in front of him, and if that is the case then Bobby Thomas, James Connolly and Lewis Gibson will start from right to left.
Luca Hoole and Alfie Kilgour are cover options for those central roles, with James Gibbons possibly dropping to the bench after being substituted at half time against Fleetwood. Trevor Clarke is likely to be among the substitutes, too.
Midfield
Fleetwood may be one of the stronger sides in the division, but on home turf, Barton will want to be aggressive and he will call for his wing-backs to be high and wide to push their Peterborough counterparts onto the back foot.
Scott Sinclair did a very good job in the second half against Fleetwood on Saturday after being shunted to wing-back, stretching the field to create space for Rovers' playmakers in midfield. Sinclair could continue in that role on the right, with Lewis Gordon set to keep his place on the left after a strong performance against the Cod Army.
In the middle of the park, the trio of Sam Finley, Jordan Rossiter and Antony Evans will likely start together again, with the move to a back three giving Finley and Evans more licence to get forward and create – making the most of their strengths with the ball at their feet.
Paul Coutts and Harry Anderson are ruled out with injury, with Luke McCormick, Zain Westbrooke and Glenn Whelan among the options for the bench.
Attack
With Loft back to fitness after a three-game absence with a hamstring injury, Barton's striking ranks are at full strength. He has six-goal Loft, top scorer Aaron Collins, impressive youngster Josh Coburn, veteran marksman John Marquis and speedster Harvey Saunders to call on.
Should the manager plump for a 3-5-2, Collins and Coburn will be the men to keep their places, meaning Barton is set to have plenty of firepower on the bench if required.
Rovers (3-5-2): Belshaw; Thomas, Connolly, Gibson; Sinclair, Evans, Rossiter, Finley (c), Gordon; Collins, Coburn.
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