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Bristol Post
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Sam Frost

The expected Bristol Rovers team to play Tranmere Rovers: Evans and Anderton could make return

Bristol Rovers could be buoyed by the return of three first-team regulars to contention for their battle with promotion rivals Tranmere Rovers on Saturday.

Joey Barton's array of options is set to be enhanced by the comebacks of Antony Evans, Nick Anderton and Josh Grant, and with plenty on the line on Merseyside this afternoon the manager will be delighted to have his ranks at close to full strength.

Here is how Rovers could line up at Prenton Park this afternoon...

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

Goalkeeper and defence

No debate over who starts in goal for the Gas on Saturday; James Belshaw will be between the posts at Tranmere. He had a quiet game against Bradford City last time out, evidence of the control Rovers have enjoyed in recent times. Anssi Jaakkola's ankle problem means Jed Ward is set to make the bench again.

Three members of the back four are sure to be unchanged, with Luca Hoole settled in at right-back and Connor Taylor and James Connolly thriving at centre-half. On the left, though, there could be a change, with both Nick Anderton and Josh Grant back in contention.

Trevor Clarke played an hour against Bradford a week ago, but he could be displaced on Saturday. The fact Anderton has only missed two games compared to Grant's two months out with a knee issue, coupled with his strength at defending set-pieces, could see him get the nod.

Cian Harries will make the bench to provide cover, with but Junior Brown, Alfie Kilgour and Alex Rodman will miss out with injury.

Midfield

Paul Coutts is starting to earn fan favourite status for his composed and efficient displays in front of the back four and the skipper will doubtless be on Saturday's teamsheet.

Ahead of him, Sam Finley will retain his place after an outstanding contribution in the win over Bradford. Evans could return alongside him after two games out with a calf issue.

As a result, Elliot Anderson may shift out to the left flank, with his namesake Harry on the other side. Sam Nicholson seems the likeliest to drop to the bench if Evans is fit to start.

Luke Thomas, Glenn Whelan and Sion Spence are options for the bench, but Jon Nolan is likely to miss out through injury.

Attack

The line will be led by top scorer Aaron Collins, who will be eager to hit the back of the net for the first time in four games.

Ryan Loft, Leon Clarke and Harvey Saunders are likely to be among the substitutes.

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

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