Buoyed by Saturday’s win over Cambridge United, attention for Bristol Rovers and Joey Barton turns to a trip to MK Dons on Tuesday evening. With the manager finding a winning formula at the weekend, changes to his team are likely to be minimal for the game at Stadium MK.
For the first time this season, Barton had genuine depth to his resources at the weekend with the worst of a defensive injury crisis behind them. Competition for places is increasing and the Gas will be confident of climbing further after moving to 19th in League One on Saturday.
Like the Gas, MK Dons have had a difficult start to the season. Just a few months ago, they were close to breaking into the Championship, but with star players exiting over the summer, Liam Manning’s side are in the relegation zone after 12 games. Here is how Rovers could line up for the challenge in Buckinghamshire…
What XI would you select for tonight’s game? Have your say in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper and defence
James Belshaw made a pivotal contribution win the win over Cambridge, making several crucial second-half saves to help Rovers get over the line at the Mem. He will start in goal this evening, with Anssi Jaakkola providing cover from the bench.
In defence, Barton could be tempted to change shape. In the past two games, he has matched up against the opposition; against Exeter he went for a back three verses a back three, in the Cambridge game, he pivoted to a back four to mirror their shape.
MK have done a bit of both this season, but predominantly they have played with three centre-backs so Barton could do the same tonight.
Luca Hoole and Bobby Thomas should keep their places regardless, with Lewis Gibson possibly the man to come in if there is a change in tack. James Gibbons and Lewis Gordon played well as full-backs on Saturday and they could start as wing-backs tonight.
James Connolly is closing in on a return from a back injury but is not fit to feature tonight. Alfie Kilgour, however, could be back in the squad after missing Saturday due to concussion protocols. Trevor Clarke will be in the squad.
Midfield
A change in shape at the back could lead to a change in personnel in midfield. Sam Finley and Jordan Rossiter have given the Gas a secure base in the centre of the park and Barton is likely to keep them in situ for this game.
But there may not be space in the starting XI for Antony Evans or Luke McCormick if Barton goes for three at the back. That would be harsh on both men; Evans delivered one of his best performances of the season so far on Saturday and McCormick was impactful off the bench.
That conundrum speaks to the depth Barton now him as in his squad. Paul Coutts, Glenn Whelan, Harry Anderson and Zain Westbrooke are also in contention and a couple of them are likely to miss out on a place on the bench.
Attack
The opening 10 games of the season were chastening for the Gas, but Barton learned a lot in that period and he has found an effective attacking formula. Aaron Collins has been excellent this term, no matter what position he has played, and he is set to continue in the free-roaming role behind the strikers this evening.
Leading the line, Ryan Loft and Josh Coburn are a powerful combination and both are high in confidence. Loft has five goals this season and Coburn scored the winner on his full debut on Saturday.
With John Marquis ruled out with a knee injury this evening, Loft and Coburn are set to be paired again. Harvey Saunders and Sylvester Jasper will make the bench.
Rovers (3-4-1-2): Belshaw; Hoole, Thomas, Gibson; Gibbons, Rossiter, Finley, Gordon; Collins; Loft, Coburn.
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