The next hurdle in Bristol Rovers’ race for promotion comes at Brunton Park on Saturday, when Joey Barton’s Gas take in a resurgent Carlisle United.
Paul Simpson's return to manage his hometown club has transformed the Cumbrians' fortunes, but Rovers are playing with a total absence of fear as they close in on League Two's top three.
The Gas are in fine form, winning four on the bounce, and Barton's options have been boosted with Elliot Anderson not joining up with Scotland under-21s, while two players are back in contention after injury.
Here is how Rovers could line up at Brunton Park…
What XI would you select for the game? Have your say in the comments section below…
Goalkeeper and defence
James Belshaw’s fine form was rewarded with a new contact this week that will keep him in BS7 until 2024. The 31-year-old will start in goal once again for the Gas on Saturday, hopeful of keeping a 15th clean sheet of the season.
Jed Ward is likely to be the backup goalkeeper on the bench at Carlisle, with Anssi Jaakkola nursing an ankle injury.
The back four of Luca Hoole, Connor Taylor, James Connolly and Nick Anderton will remain in place after providing a solid base for Rovers’ stellar run of late.
Cian Harries and Trevor Clarke will provide alternatives on the bench, but Josh Grant and Alfie Kilgour will not make the trip to Cumbria due to knee injuries.
Midfield
Rovers could have a greater range of central midfield options to call on at Carlisle with Jon Nolan in line to return the squad after missing four games with injury.
The 29-year-old is likely to be named among the substitutes on a Saturday, with Paul Coutts retaining his place in central midfield.
Antony Evans and Sam Finley will roam from box to box ahead of the captain, with Harry Anderson and Elliot Anderson providing width on the flanks.
Sam Nicholson is also set to return from injury with the bruising on his shin easing, but he is unlikely to return immediately to the starting XI.
Glenn Whelan will certainly be included in the squad, with Luke Thomas and Sion Spence also vying for a place.
Attack
Aaron Collins will continue to spearhead the attack at Carlisle. After a dogged shift at Northampton, he will hope for more chances to create and score on Saturday.
Ryan Loft and Leon Clarke give Barton the option of introducing a target man from the bench, with Harvey Saunders also set to be named among the substitutes.
Rovers (4-1-4-1): Belshaw; Hoole, Taylor, Connolly, Anderton; Coutts (c); H Anderson, Evans, Finley, E Anderson; Collins.
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