Bristol Rovers have gone 56 days without tasting victory in League One, but Joey Barton has cause for optimism with his resources replenished with several players back from injury in time for today's game against Cambridge United. Rovers' eight-game winless run in the league has been underpinned by a series of absences, particularly in defence, but the squad is stronger now than at any other point so far this season.
There is still the significant absence of James Connolly to contend with in defence, but several others have returned and up front the manager has enviable variety and depth to call on. The bench, certainly, will be stronger today than at any other point so far this campaign.
Nonetheless, Cambridge pose a tricky test. They may have lost four of their past five games but Mark Bonner's Us are well drilled and will be eying three points at the Mem. Here is how Rovers could line up for the challenge...
What XI would you select for today's game? Have your say in the comments section below...
Goalkeeper and defence
After a night off in midweek, James Belshaw will return between the sticks this afternoon and he will be eager to bounce back from a rare mistake at Exeter seven days ago. Anssi Jaakkola will be his deputy.
The back three performed well at St James Park last week, but Barton could be tempted to make a change with Lewis Gibson back in the fold. The manager rates his ability on the ball highly, so he could slot in at left centre-back, alongside Bobby Thomas and Luca Hoole.
Gibson's return from a calf issue could allow Lewis Gordon to move outside to a more familiar role of left wing-back, with Trevor Clarke also in contention after a strong performance in midweek that was capped by a goal. James Gibbons and Harry Anderson meanwhile, are back from their respective foot injuries and they are the likely options for the right wing-back role, presuming the Antony Evans and Luke McCormick experiment as wing-backs was a one-time plan.
With Gibbons missing almost two months of action, Anderson has a higher level of match fitness and could get the starting nod, although Gibbons is likely to play some part.
James Connolly is nearing a return from a back injury but he will miss out today, as will Josh Grant who likely needs knee surgery. Alfie Kilgour is set to be ruled out, too, as he remains in concussion protocol after sustaining a head injury in Tuesday's win over Crystal Palace under-21s.
Midfield
Barton fielded a completely changed midfield in midweek, but he is likely to turn back to the pairing of Sam Finley and Jordan Rossiter that brought Rovers a nice blend of security and creativity in Devon a week ago. Paul Coutts, Zain Westbrooke and Glenn Whelan are options for the bench, with Whelan's red card in the EFL Trophy not applying to league fixtures.
With more options to play at wing-back this week, Evans and McCormick are freed up to return to more familiar midfield roles. With Evans given the night off in midweek, is logical to assume he was being saved for this game and he is likely to start, meaning McCormick could be an impact option off the bench.
Attack
Barton fielded a front three packed with strikers at Exeter last week, but with Josh Marquis taking a knock in midweek the manager could be minded to change things slightly. Aaron Collins and Ryan Loft are both in good scoring form and appear certain starters on the frontline.
That would leave Barton with a bench packed with game-changers, something he has not had at his disposal all season due to injuries. Marquis scored at Exeter and Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn gave a positive impression on debut against the Palace kids. Throw in Sylvester Jasper and Harvey Saunders and Barton has aces up the sleeve for almost any situation.
Rovers (3-4-1-2): Belshaw; Hoole, Thomas, Gibson; Anderson, Rossiter, Finley, Gordon; Evans; Collins, Loft.
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