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.
