After an impressive October ended with defeat at Derby County, Bristol Rovers kick off a new month with a new competition as they host Rochdale at the Mem in the first round of the FA Cup on Saturday.
Gas manager Joey Barton knows the value of this competition, both in its prestige and the impact it can have on a team's league form, with last year's incredible replay win over Oxford United helping to spark the surge that led Rovers' to promotion.
Barton's options are depleted for this game, though, with the injury list starting to grow again and Middlesbrough deciding they do not want loan striker Josh Coburn to feature in the FA Cup to prevent him from being cup-tied.
Regardless, the manager is confident the Gas have more than enough players available to overcome League Two strugglers Rochdale this afternoon and book a place in the second-round draw. Here is how they could line up at the Mem later today...
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below...
Goalkeeper and defence
Barton will certainly consider making a change in goal for this game to give James Belshaw a break, but the schedule is a bit lighter in the weeks ahead than last month, and with changes needed elsewhere the manager could choose to have continuity between the sticks. If that is the case, Anssi Jaakkola will be on the bench.
Luca Hoole has moved around the defence of late, but this is a chance for Barton to get him back in the team at right-back. Trevor Clarke could get a start on the left in place of Lewis Gordon so Barton can keep his full-backs fresh.
In the middle, the pair that finished the game at Derby could start on Saturday. James Connolly appears certain to get his first start since August after a back injury, and he will likely partner Bobby Thomas.
Lewis Gibson will miss out with a groin injury. James Gibbons and Alfie Kilgour are also in contention to feature.
Midfield
The news that Paul Coutts is out until possibly the new year is a significant blow, and it gives Barton plenty to ponder for his team selection. With Coutts ruled out, both Sam Finley and Jordan Rossiter are of increased importance and the manager could choose to proceed cautiously considering this is a cup game.
But Rovers want to make the next round and Barton could be minded to play Finley from the start to get the Gas off on the front foot before withdrawing him in the second half.
Luke McCormick started at Derby and ought to get another chance here. Antony Evans could be the third member of a dynamic midfield.
Glenn Whelan has not been in a league squad since the start of October, but the first-team coach could be back involved on Saturday if Barton wants to protect some key players. Zain Westbrooke could feature, too.
Attack
Both John Marquis and Ryan Loft are ruled out with injuries, while Coburn is not available at the request of his parent club. Winger Harry Anderson has a groin issue.
Therefore, Aaron Collins could be asked to go again. He has started in all 17 of Rovers' league games so far this season, but he shows no signs of slowing down and he will relish the chance to take on Dale on Saturday.
Barton has suggested Scott Sinclair will get his first start since returning to the club after showing up well in a cameo at Derby seven days ago. Alongside him and Collins could be Harvey Saunders, making up a pacey front three.
Rovers (4-3-3): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Bobby Thomas, James Connolly, Trevor Clarke; Sam Finley (c), Antony Evans, Luke McCormick; Scott Sinclair, Aaron Collins, Harvey Saunders
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