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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Split squads, striker setup and talking points as Bristol Rovers face Bath City and Chippenham

Bristol Rovers' pre-season schedule continues on Tuesday evening as Joey Barton's squad splits in two for friendlies against Bath City and Chippenham Town.

The Gas will be in action at both Twerton Park and Hardenhuish Park to maximise the playing time available as the new League One season edges ever closer.

Gasheads won't be able to be in two places at once tonight, but Bristol Live will have coverage from both grounds so you won't miss a beat from either game. Here are some of the talking points ahead of this evening...

How will the squads be split?

In a bid to ensure all players can get the requisite number of minutes in their legs, the Gas will be sending split squads to Bath and Chippenham on Tuesday, and the makeup of the divided groups will be of interest.

It is understood it will be mixed squads that will be fielded this evening, rather than senior and younger groups. A question for Barton when the games are done is how were the squads chosen?

Will the Gas want to have first-choice players in particular position groups playing together, such as the manager's chosen centre-back pairing? Or was there some kind of school playground-style draft at The Quarters? Or were there names out of the hat?

The reality is likely to be much more simple: a nice balance of youth and experience with a focus on fitness more than anything else.

Upping the tempo

With the squad being cut in half for these games, Rovers are taking a step up from the 45-minute workouts they have had so far. Instead, several players will be getting a significant number of minutes under their belt.

With two games played so far, there will be just two more match situations for the Gas to get up to speed before the arrival of Forest Green Rovers at the Mem on July 30.

A week of hard graft in the Algarve was taxing but has enhanced their reserves of endurance and it is time for preparation to go up a gear as the opening day nears.

It promises to be a gruelling evening, with temperatures of 25C forecast for kick-off time. Charging up that slope at Twerton isn't going to be fun...

Marquis to make his bow

Gasheads should get a first look at their new striker, John Marquis, in a Rovers shirt on Tuesday evening and it will be interesting to see how he fits in. The 30-year-old has been getting to know his new teammates out in Portugal and he will look to start forging chemistry with his attacking partners in the remaining pre-season friendlies.

The split of the squad will be interesting in that regard. The expert insight into Marquis' strengths suggests he is better playing with a strike partner, so will Barton look to get Marquis on the pitch with Aaron Collins, the man he is likely to join forces with up top?

The former Portsmouth, Doncaster Rovers and Millwall forward has the makings of an interesting signing because he is set to change the face of the attack. In Collins, Rovers had an ultra-mobile forward who was a dynamic threat, whereas Marquis is a more typical, penalty-box striker. Could it take Rovers to the next level or could it take something away? That remains to be seen.

Regardless, any striker wants to get off the mark early and Marquis will be hunting for goals on Tuesday evening, be it at Twerton Park or Hardenhuish Park.

Meanwhile, Gasheads will hope the trio that missed the pre-season opener at Melksham Town – Harry Anderson, Nick Anderton and new signing Jordan Rossiter – are involved on Tuesday.

Will the youngsters kick on?

Several young prospects made the most of the stage to impress their manager against Melksham on July 1, with Harvey Greenslade, Jerry Lawrence and Ryan Jones all turning in eye-catching cameos in their 45-minute runouts.

Sam Heal and Jamie Egan also had their moments, but the key for all of Rovers' burgeoning hopefuls is to make the most of every available opportunity.

Harvey Greenslade of Bristol Rovers. (Ashley Crowden/JMP)

With the squad spread out across two sites this evening, there are pros and cons. Some may not get the benefit of playing in front of their manager – though he will receive a detailed debrief – but there could be a chance to make a more lasting impression with more minutes on the pitch.

This is an opportunity for several players to kick on in their development and Gasheads – who love a homegrown hero as much as any fanbase – will be delighted if any of them take it.

Last chance to see Lines?

Unless you are planning a Twerton excursion in the coming months, tonight could be the last chance Gasheads have the chance to see Chris Lines in action.

The Rovers legend has stepped back from full-time football after being released by Stevenage at the end of last season, dropping a couple of leagues to join Jerry Gill's Romans for the upcoming National League South campaign.

The 36-year-old delivered so many memorable moments in his two stints with the Gas, winning three promotions.

Save for a chance meeting in the FA Cup or a future pre-season friendly, this may be the final time Gasheads can pay tribute to one of their heroes of the modern era.

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