Just two games remain in the League Two season and the pressure is on Bristol Rovers as they vie to lock up a place in the play-offs and keep their hopes of automatic promotion alive.
Joey Barton's Gas head to Rochdale on Saturday sixth in the table, needing four points to clinch a place in the top seven, but six points from six could give them a chance of sneaking into the top three. The manager has a strong squad for the trip to Spotland, with Josh Grant set to return to contention after missing the goalless draw with Forest Green Rovers through injury.
Much of the manager's preferred team is in place, now, meaning changes are unlikely this afternoon. Here is how Rovers are expected to line up...
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below...
Goalkeeper and defence
James Belshaw was in fine form to keep a clean sheet against Forest Green Rovers a week ago, and his place between the posts is certain on Saturday. Anssi Jaakkola was on the bench for the first time in more than a month after recovering from an ankle injury and the Finn is set to be Rovers' back-up keeper at Spotland.
In defence, Luca Hoole, Connor Taylor and James Connolly are certain starters with the only question mark coming at left-back. Nick Anderton held down that spot against Forest Green, but Barton says Josh Grant is back in the running to play after a minor hamstring injury ruled him out for a week.
There are no small games left for Rovers, meaning Barton will be intent on playing his best team, which would include Grant, but the former Chelsea prospect has been in and out of the team in recent months due to injury concerns. With that in mind, Barton could opt to use Grant from the bench on Saturday if required because he could be a key player for Rovers if they are to make the play-offs.
Trevor Clarke will make the bench, with Cian Harries also an option. Alfie Kilgour is still recovering from a knee injury and Junior Brown is not in playing contention.
Midfield
Rovers' midfield core is set in stone nowadays. Captain Paul Coutts will occupy the holding role in front of the back four, giving the Gas a solid base to build from. Antony Evans and Sam Finley will be given more attacking licence in central areas, tasked with breaking down Rochdale's defences on Saturday.
On the wings, Luke Thomas is pushing for a starting chance but it is hard to see Barton veering away from Harry Anderson and Elliot Anderson, who have been so influential and reliable in the run-in.
Sam Nicholson and Glenn Whelan will make the bench, with Jon Nolan, Sion Spence and Alex Rodman also eager to be involved.
Attack
Barton pinpointed the strength of Rochdale centre-back Eoghan O'Connell in possession as a key factor ahead of the game, and Aaron Collins' pressing ability could be crucial to nullifying the defender's ability to create attacks from deeper positions. Collins will lead the line, with Ryan Loft and Harvey Saunders set to make the bench.
Leon Clarke will miss out with a hamstring injury.
Rovers (4-1-4-1): Belshaw; Hoole, Taylor, Connolly, Anderton; Coutts (c); H Anderson, Evans, Finley, E Anderson; Collins.
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