Bristol Rovers have suffered late disappointment more than once in the past few weeks, most recently in last Friday's 1-1 draw at Bolton Wanderers, but that should not detract from the fact that the Gas are much improved and in good form.
Joey Barton's side have lost just once in their past 10 league games and confidence is high among his players, as well as a hunger to make their points tally better reflect their recent performances, with 15th place perhaps not an entirely accurate snapshot of the team they have been in recent weeks.
Ninth-placed Port Vale, managed by Darrell Clarke, are the visitors to the Mem on Saturday and both teams are enjoying a decent start to life in League One after being promoted last season.
Barton's resources have been replenished for the challenge, with several players returning from injury in time for this afternoon's game. Here is how the Gas could line up at the Mem...
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below...
Goalkeeper and defence
He would certainly want more clean sheets to his name, but James Belshaw must be placed with the defensive improvements the Gas have made in recent weeks. The number one is a certain starter this afternoon, with Anssi Jaakkola set to make the bench.
In front of Belshaw, a youthful back three of Bobby Thomas, James Connolly and Lewis Gibson has bedded in and they are coming along nicely. They deserved a clean sheet for their efforts at Bolton until they were cruelly breached at the death last Friday. With Barton likely to select that trio again, they will hope they can see out a shutout to the very end against Vale.
There could be a change at left wing-back, where Lewis Gordon has tended to be favoured over Trevor Clarke. Gordon missed the trip to Bolton due to a family bereavement and Clarke did well in his absence, but Barton could revert back to the former Brentford prospect.
On the right side, winger Scott Sinclair has been playing in the unfamiliar role of wing-back, but he has excelled and with Barton's preference to play on the front foot at home, the 33-year-old should keep his place.
Alfie Kilgour, Luca Hoole and James Gibbons are defensive options for the bench.
Midfield
Paul Coutts' return from injury is a huge boost for Rovers, and there is every chance he starts this afternoon after impressing in training this week. However, it may be wise for the Gas to take a cautious approach with the club captain after missing two months with an ankle injury.
Therefore, the midfield trio of Sam Finley, Jordan Rossiter and Antony Evans that performed well in patches at the University of Bolton Stadium could be deployed from the start again, with Coutts offering welcome depth on the bench.
Finley picked up his fifth yellow card of the season at Bolton, but he is not suspended as the threshold for a ban is raised to 10 yellow cards after the 19th league game.
Luke McCormick will be among the substitutes, with Harry Anderson likely to join him on his return from a groin injury after more than a month on the sidelines. Zain Westbrooke and Glenn Whelan could also be included if required.
Attack
Rovers' biggest strength comes on the frontline and Barton will have five options to choose from when he names his team ahead of kick-off. Should the 3-5-2 be the chosen formation, Ryan Loft, John Marquis and Harvey Saunders will have to settle for places in the dugout.
At this moment, Aaron Collins and Josh Coburn have established their status as certain starters, scoring 10 and five goals respectively in the league this season. Considering Coburn has played only nine games and Collins also has seven assists to his name, they are perhaps the most dynamic and threatening top two in the third tier.
Rovers (3-5-2): James Belshaw; Bobby Thomas, James Connolly, Lewis Gibson; Scott Sinclair, Antony Evans, Jordan Rossiter, Sam Finley (c), Lewis Gordon; Aaron Collins, Josh Coburn.
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