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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Expected Bristol Rovers team to play Forest Green: Squad in great place for promotion battle

The euphoria of Bristol Rovers' thrilling Easter Monday win over Port Vale has only served to increase the anticipation as the Gas clash with Forest Green Rovers at the Mem on Saturday.

Promotion is on the line for both teams. Forest Green, for all intents and purposes, have completed their mission of reaching League One for the first time. Their superior goal difference means promotion is certain, but just one point is needed to make mathematically sure of the job.

Joey Barton's Gas, meanwhile, are sprinting to the finish line and desperate to pip Port Vale, Northampton Town and the rest to the final automatic promotion place. The Gas boss' team is almost set in stone after 43 League Two games. Here is how they are set to line up at the Mem this afternoon...

What XI would you select for the game? Have your say in the comments section below...

Goalkeeper and defence

You know the drill by now. James Belshaw will be in goal, with Jed Ward on the bench.

The back four is set to be unchanged from the victory at Vale Park, with Luca Hoole and Josh Grant at full-back, with Connor Taylor and James Connolly paired in the centre.

On the bench, Nick Anderton and Trevor Clarke will provide cover, with Cian Harries also available if needed.

Alfie Kilgour travelled with Rovers to Port Vale, but that was in a watching capacity and Barton has said his season is likely over.

Paul Coutts and James Connolly of Bristol Rovers celebrate victory at Port Vale. (Robbie Stephenson/JMP)

Midfield

Paul Coutts delivered one of Rovers' best individual performances of the season at Port Vale to lead the Gas to victory, and the captain will once again anchor the midfield. His big-game experience could be vital.

The Andersons, Harry and Elliot, have offered menacing threats on either flanks and both will continue in their roles on Saturday. In the centre, given licence to press and attack thanks to Coutts' deeper positioning, will be the dynamic duo of Antony Evans and Sam Finley. They have inspired several big wins this season and Barton will hope they can do it again this afternoon.

With Sam Nicholson, Luke Thomas, Glenn Whelan and Sion Spence among options for the bench, Barton's squad is in a great place. Jon Nolan, though, could miss out again as he endures an injury-hit stint in BS7.

Attack

Aaron Collins has gone seven games without a goal, but he remains pivotal to Rovers' fortunes. They are at the best when they press aggressively from the front and a grafter like Collins, who is also capable of conjuring moments of magic, enables Barton's game plan.

Ryan Loft's confidence will have soared after a memorable afternoon for him at Vale Park, breaking his Rovers duck in front of a packed away end to clinch victory. That can only make him a more dangerous option to call on from the bench.

Harvey Saunders could also be involved, but Leon Clarke is out with a hamstring injury and is facing a race against time to play again this season.

Rovers (4-1-4-1): Belshaw; Hoole, Taylor, Connolly, Grant; Coutts (c); H Anderson, Evans, Finley, E Anderson; Collins.

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