Bristol Rovers’ biggest game of the season awaits in the form of relegation rivals Northampton Town, with Joey Barton having the benefit of a fit and winning team but also limited selection options should he wish to make any tactical tweaks.
Unfortunately, the anticipated return of Alex Rodman, Josh Grant and Alfie Kilgour will not materialise in time for today, although the former has a strong chance of playing Lincoln next weekend after recovering from injury but suffering a bout of diarrhoea this week that has prevented him training.
Barton and Rovers will, of course, be buoyed by Easter Monday’s vital 2-1 win over Doncaster Rovers. That result – the only win for any side in the bottom six on Monday – changed the landscape of the relegation battle and the Gas will climb clear of the bottom four if they can leave Northampton with three points on Saturday.
This is the team Barton is expected to select at Sixfields…
Defence
Anssi Jaakkola’s return to fitness has been a big boost for the Gas and he will start a fourth consecutive game in goal, with Cardiff City loanee Joe Day offering cover from the bench.
Kilgour's continued absence due to an ankle injury coupled with the impressive performances of Cian Harries, Jack Baldwin and George Williams against Donny mean he is unlikely to want to change his back three.
Luke Leahy will continue with the armband at left wing-back, while Zain Walker should continue as right-wing back, unless Barton opts for more defensive assurance and greater physical presence of Mark Little, due to the Cobblers set-piece strength.
Josh Hare and David Tutonda could make the bench, with Max Ehmer and Ali Koiki ruled out for the rest of the season.
Midfield
With Grant potentially out for the season due to a foot injury, the mixture of experience and youth in Ed Upson and Pablo Martinez should maintain their partnership at the base of midfield.
Further forward, Luke McCormick and Zain Westbrooke are almost nailed-on to start after registering a brace of goals and assists respectively against Doncaster.
Josh Barrett, Erhun Oztumer, Cameron Hargreaves and Ben Liddle could be among the substitutes. Sam Nicholson and Abu Ogogo are out for the rest of the campaign.
Attack
Both Brandon Hanlan and Jonah Ayunga have played their best football, strangely, without each other on the pitch, and Barton is likely to persevere with Hanlan on Saturday.
The former Gillingham forward is short of goals, but he was much more impactful on Monday, showing his strength to hold the ball up well and defending from the front with aggressive pressing.
Ayunga and James Daly will be viewed as impact options from the dugout. There is, however, a theory for starting Ayunga due to his strength and power in the air, which could provide an extra layer of security against Northampton's aerial game.
But, equally, as Barton made the point during Friday's press conference, he will be focusing on what the Gas can do to hurt Northampton, more so than what the hosts will have to offer.
There is also the consideration that by introducing Ayunga, he would have to take out one of Hanlan or Westbrooke. In the first instance, the forward's work rate was praised by the manager and the fanbase so would seem a harsh decision.
Regarding Westbrooke, once again that would be taking something away from the Gas as an attacking unit.
Rovers (3-4-2-1): Jaakkola; Williams, Baldwin, Harries; Walker, Upson, Martinez, Leahy; McCormick, Westbrooke; Hanlan.
