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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
David Byrom

Bristol Rovers' expected starting XI to take on AFC Wimbledon with Josh Hare out injured

Graham Coughlan is never one to really chop and change his Bristol Rovers side.

With a small squad, it would admittedly be difficult for a manager to opt for a wholesale rotation policy, but, by and large, Coughlan likes to keep faith with a tried and tested side who have ground out some decent results so far this season.

Which makes it rather intriguing when Rovers have a couple of fitness problems.

Josh Hare is definitely out of this weekend's trip to AFC Wimbledon

There are also doubts over the fitness of captain Ollie Clarke, who limped off during the draw.

So, who could Coughlan call upon to replace the duo? We take a look...

Goalkeeper

Jaakkola punches clear against Brighton (PA)

Anssi Jaakkola should continue in goal. The Finnish international has looked more and more the part since a shaky start after signing for Rovers in the summer.

On Tuesday, it was noticeable how often the Rovers defence were willing to pass the ball back to him, which is always the sign of players having confidence in a goalkeeper.

Whilst he could still work on controlling his box a little more, he has started to look more and more authoritative when collecting crosses.

Central defence

Tom Davies of Bristol Rovers (Ryan Hiscott/JMP)

In the 5-3-2 formation - or 3-5-2 as Graham Coughlan calls it - Rovers' centre-backs basically pick themselves, and with good reason too.

Tom Davies on the right-hand side of the three had an exceptional game on Tuesday evening and, on another day would have come out on the winning side.

Tony Craig anchors the defence in the middle, and his experience has given him the ability to read the game and position himself to win any loose balls that come his way.

Alfie Kilgour on the left-hand side has been in good form and has become more expansive with his passing, often switching the play from the halfway line.

Wing-backs

The one guaranteed change in the side is Josh Hare being replaced following the right wing-backs injury sustained against Gillingham.

Mark Little came on for Hare on Tuesday and made a mistake that led to a goal but, whilst Graham Coughlan spoke up Luca Hoole in his pre-match press conference on Friday, it is difficult to see anyone but the experienced Little replacing Hare.

On the left, Luke Leahy should continue following some energetic displays.

Central midfield

Liam Sercombe takes aim at the Coventry goal (Robbie Stephenson/JMP)

There are a few doubts over Ollie Clarke's fitness after he limped off with a hamstring injury against Gillingham.

If the Gas captain is fit, then he will definitely play but, if not, he will more than likely be replaced by Liam Sercombe, who gave a bright cameo when replacing Clarke against Gillingham.

Ed Upson and Abu Ogogo have both been in good form recently so should continue in midfield, particularly with Graham Coughlan predicting a feisty game.

Strikers

Jonson Clarke-Harris is the first name on Rovers' teamsheet, and there is no reason to expect him not to start against AFC Wimbledon.

While the other striker spot is up for grabs, it is difficult to see past Tyler Smith, who produced a good performance and netted against Gillingham on Tuesday evening.

Predicted XI: Jaakkola; Little, Davies, Craig, Kilgour, Leahy; Ogogo, Upson, Sercombe; Smith, Clarke-Harris

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