With seven points from the past three games and an absence of pressure after solidifying their place in League One, Bristol Rovers are not exactly opponents Sheffield Wednesday will relish with the Owls desperate for points in the promotion race.
Joey Barton’s Gas aim to finish the campaign strongly and Saturday’s performance against play-off-chasing Derby County showed how dangerous an opponent they can be when they build momentum on home turf.
With the end of the season looming, Rovers are enjoying a run of good availability, meaning Barton has plenty of options to choose from this evening. Here is how the Gas could line up this evening…
What XI would you select? Have your say in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper and defence
After a series of quieter games between the sticks, James Belshaw produced some important saves against Derby. He will continue in goal on Saturday, with Ellery Balcombe potentially back in the squad after a spell out injured. If it proves to early for the Brentford loanee, Jed Ward will keep his place in the squad.
In the back four, Luca Hoole, Lewis Gibson and Lewis Gordon are near-certain starters with all three in excellent form. James Connolly is playing his best football of the season, too, but Liverpool loanee Jarell Quansah is back from a three-match ban.
As a result, Barton has a conundrum to unravel and multiple factors to consider between now and the end of the season. Quansah is unlikely to be a Rovers player next season, so does Barton invest more time Connolly? Or does he look to ensure the club’s relationship with the player’s parent club remains strong, which could come in handy in the summer transfer window?
Ultimately, Barton will select the team he believes is most likely to win, and Quansah held the starting spot before his suspension.
On the bench, James Gibbons will keep his place, with Calum MacDonald also desperate to be involved in the 18 after missing out in the past three games.
Midfield
Rovers’ midfield has been functioning well since returning from the international break, and the same trio should keep their places.
Aston Villa loanee Lamare Bogarde has been outstanding as the deepest midfielder and he will retain his spot, tasked with keeping Wednesday talisman Barry Bannan quiet, as will the ever-impressive Grant Ward who is showing his skills as an all-rounder in the centre of the park.
Sam Finley had many more errant touches than usual on Saturday, but he was still effective and he will fancy taking the game to an Owls team under huge pressure.
Saturday’s scorer Antony Evans may have to settle for the place on the bench again alongside Luke McCormick.
Paul Coutts is out with a knee injury while Josh Grant is closing in on a long-awaited return, but this game is set to come too soon for him. Jordan Rossiter remains on the sidelines.
Attack
Harry Anderson made a welcome return from injury on Saturday, but he may have to make do with a bench role here.
Scott Sinclair and Aaron Collins were lively presences against Derby, and they are set to retain their places, albeit with Collins shifting out wide to allow for a traditional number nine to come in.
That player would likely be Josh Coburn given his all-round game is a tad more refined than Ryan Loft, who has menaced in an impact sub role of late. John Marquis is also a strong consideration to start, depending on the brief Barton has for his striker in this game.
Rovers (4-3-3): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Gibson, Lewis Gordon; Lamare Bogarde, Sam Finley (c), Grant Ward; Scott Sinclair, Josh Coburn, Aaron Collins
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