As the end of the season draws ever closer, the temptation to rotate his squad will become less and less appealing for Bristol Rovers boss Joey Barton, with a minimum of changes likely for the visit of Harrogate Town.
Barton has taken the chance to freshening his starting XI in recent weeks, but Tuesday’s win at Crawley Town saw him revert to something closer to his consensus strongest XI with each point becoming all the more important in the context of the promotion race.
For Saturday’s clash with Harrogate and beyond, Barton is unlikely to veer too far from that template. Here is how Rovers could line up at the Mem on Saturday…
What XI would you select for Saturday’s game? Have your say in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper and defence
James Belshaw’s place in the staring lineup has long been a certainty and he will wear the gloves against his former club on Saturday. Anssi Jaakkola will continue his covering role on the bench.
Full-backs Luca Hoole and Nick Anderton are enjoying good runs of form, while Connor Taylor and James Connolly have forged a solid partnership in the centre of defence. All four will retain their place in the side, a decision also cemented by Harry Anderson's fine attacking performance at Crawley which means the 25-year-old is only likely to be used again at full-back as a secondary option.
Alfie Kilgour, Josh Grant and Alex Rodman will miss out through injury, with Cian Harries set to make the bench after returning to the squad at Crawley. Left-back Trevor Clarke will also be in the squad.
Midfield
The return of Paul Coutts and Sam Finley to the XI on Tuesday was an upgrade to the side beaten at Newport and, suspension and injuries permitting, they could both start all of Rovers’ remaining 11 games, albeit with strong cover in the defensive midfield area in the form of Glenn Whelan.
Coutts will be Rovers’ deepest midfielder against Harrogate, with Finley given licence to attack alongside his dependable defensive contributions. Antony Evans will try to pull the strings from a central position, while the two Andersons – Harry and Elliot – will start out wide.
Sam Nicholson, who didn't make the matchday 18 on Tuesday, and Jon Nolan could miss out through injury, bringing Luke Thomas and Sion Spence into contention for places on the bench. The dependable Whelan will also be among the substitutes.
Attack
Aaron Collins’ place as the number nine is certain after scoring another fine goal in midweek and furthering his status as the Gas' main attacking threat but also the man who knits it all together in the final third.
Veteran frontman Leon Clarke could miss another game due to a groin injury, but he is expected to return soon, potentially against Northampton next weekend. Ryan Loft and Harvey Saunders will then offer an impact options from the bench.
Rovers (4-1-4-1): Belshaw; Hoole, Taylor, Connolly, Anderton; Coutts (c); H Anderson, Evans, Finley, E Anderson; Collins
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