Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton has more resources to call on after the end of the transfer window as the Gas prepare to take on Morecambe on Saturday, although one of his key players is out with suspension.
Jordan Rossiter begins a three-match ban today after he was retrospectively charged with violent conduct after last weekend's draw with Shrewsbury Town. Barton clearly admires Rossiter's tenacity and he would have been a valuable player in what the manager has tipped to be another scrappy game.
Barton was keen to share his displeasure at Shrewsbury's tactics a week ago, criticising their approach and intent to breaking up the game, and at his pre-match press conference, he said he expects Derek Adams' Morecambe to follow a similar formula, with five at the back and a lone striker.
Should that assessment prove correct with top marksman Cole Stockton – denied a lucrative move away from the Shrimps on deadline day – up top on his own, Rovers are likely to start with a back four again; three centre-backs would not be required. Here is how the Gas could line up at the Mem this afternoon...
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below...
Goalkeeper and defence
James Belshaw spent Tuesday night's EFL Trophy game at Plymouth on the bench, with Anssi Jaakkola performing pretty well in his place, but Belshaw is sure to regain the gloves on Saturday; his ability to sweep up is essential to Rovers' high line.
In defence, Barton will be debating whether deadline day loan signing Bobby Thomas comes straight into the heart of the back four. He may not be thrown straight into the mix with just a couple of days of training with the Gas under his belt.
Luca Hoole will be the right-back if it is to be a four-man defence, with Lewis Gordon and the recently reintegrated Trevor Clarke competing for the spot on the left. Gordon will probably get the nod.
In the centre, James Connolly's absence is a problem for Barton and he will be crossing off the days until he returns from a back stress fracture, hopefully sooner rather than later. Should Burnley prospect Thomas be given time to ease his way into the team, Alfie Kilgour and Lewis Gibson are the likely defensive combination.
James Gibbons remains sidelined by a foot injury, but Josh Grant trained towards the end of the week and could be included in the 18.
Midfield
Barton's options are reduced by Rossiter's suspension, but the manager can call on experience and quality in that part of the pitch. Club captain Paul Coutts continues to build his match fitness after 70-odd minutes against Plymouth in midweek and he will likely be partnered by Sam Finley, who was only fit enough to play as a substitute last week. Seven days on, he ought to be back in starting contention and his creativity from deep could be invaluable.
Glenn Whelan has a strong case for a starting spot after a strong performance at Plymouth, but he could be back on the bench for today's game.
Luke McCormick's arrival means Rovers have options for the number 10 position, but Antony Evans will likely retain his place with McCormick likely to be viewed as an impact option while he works his way up to full fitness – and what an asset he would be from the bench if Rovers need to change things up, something they have lacked in that position this season until now.
Jerry Lawrence will return to the bench after starting at Plymouth. Zain Westbrooke remains at the club after the deadline closed, but is likely to miss out on a place in the 18.
Attack
Josh Coburn has the makings of an exciting addition to Barton's squad, but the Middlesbrough striker will not be seen in the blue and white quarters for a few weeks yet as the loanee continues his rehab from a knee injury suffered on the opening day of the season.
Winger Sylvester Jasper also joined the club on loan on the final day of the window, but the Fulham prospect could also start from the bench due to his late arrival. He promises to bring pace and trickery to the Mem, which could be a real game-changer in the second half should Barton need it.
Therefore, the front three could look familiar. John Marquis will lead the line, with star man Aaron Collins on the left and the relentless Harry Anderson on the right.
Ryan Loft has two in two as he advances his case for a starting job, but he could be in the dugout alongside Harvey Saunders. Harvey Greenslade and Ryan Jones are also available.
Rovers (4-2-3-1): Belshaw; Hoole, Kilgour, Gibson, Gordon; Coutts (c), Finley; Anderson, Evans, Collins; Marquis.
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