Unbeaten in five and climbing the League Two table, Joey Barton’s Bristol Rovers have the chance to make a statement against high-flying Sutton United on Saturday.
The momentum the Gas have gained on the pitch, in addition to increasing optimism among supporters and two late eye-catching transfers this week, has placed them in the conversation for a place in the top seven come the end of the season.
Plenty of games remain for Rovers to decide their destiny and whatever the result at fourth-placed Sutton their season is very much alive.
But adding three points to their tally in South London on Saturday would be a signal of their intent as the campaign reaches the business end.
Here is how Rovers could line up at Gander Green Lane...
What XI would you select for today's game? Have your say in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper and defence
An injury for James Belshaw brings Anssi Jaakkola back into the frame for the starting spot in goal. The big Finn will don the gloves for the Gas for the first time since August at Gander Green Lane.
Jed Ward, recalled from a loan spell at Swindon Supermarine, will provide goalkeeping cover on the bench.
A back four has been Barton’s system of choice of late, but Luca Hoole’s suspension could lead to the Gas playing with three at the back at Sutton. James Connolly, Connor Taylor and Nick Anderton could be the men handed starting spots, with Cian Harries also in contention.
Harry Anderson should to come into the XI for Hoole as right wing-back, with Josh Grant taking his place on the opposite side.
Alfie Kilgour is likely to miss out due to an ongoing knee issue, with Trevor Clarke and Junior Brown also unavailable.
Alex Rodman and Pablo Martinez could make the bench.
Midfield
Rovers’ midfield ranks were significantly boosted this week with the arrivals of Elliot Anderson and Jon Nolan, although Barton suggested the latter may not feature in the next couple of games after more than a year sidelined with a knee injury.
Paul Coutts will captain the side and offer stability in the spine of the team and he could be partnered in midfield by Sam Finley, who missed Saturday’s game against Walsall after tweaking a muscle at Scunthorpe last month.
Barton had hoped Finley would be ready for the Sutton game and if he is fit, the 29-year-old will start.
As a result, Elliot Anderson will likely take a spot on the bench at Gander Green Lane.
Glenn Whelan is also set to be among the substitutes.
Attack
Rovers’ strength in depth in attack means Joey Barton has plenty of tough calls to make in selecting his attack, with players set to find themselves harshly placed on the bench, such is the competition for places.
Should Ryan Loft be available after his minor back injury, the target man is likely to start as the spearhead of Rovers’ attack.
Therefore, two places will be available for playmakers and they could be filled by any of Antony Evans, Aaron Collins, Luke Thomas, Sam Nicholson and new boy Elliot Anderson.
Ultimately, Evans and Collins are the men in form and have the best chance of being part of Barton’s Plan A at Sutton, meaning Rovers will have an array of game-changing options to call on from the bench in the class of Nicholson, the improving Thomas and the highly-regarded Anderson.
Sion Spence could miss out on a place in the squad due to the sheer number of attacking players in the mix, but Leon Clarke should travel after being left out against Walsall as a precaution.
Harvey Saunders will also be involved.
Rovers (3-4-2-1): Jaakkola; Connolly, Taylor, Anderton; H Anderson, Coutts, Finley, Grant; Evans, Collins; Loft.
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