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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Expected Bristol Rovers team to play Leyton Orient with Paul Tisdale considering changes

Paul Tisdale's priority for Bristol Rovers' EFL Trophy tie with Leyton Orient on Tuesday must be preserving the Pirates' new-found momentum.

That means wholesale changes are unlikely for the second-round clash at Brisbane Road, with the manager focused on ensuring Saturday's season's-best performance at AFC Wimbledon is not an anomaly.

With a congested schedule ahead, Tuesday's Trophy tie could be perceived as an inconvenience, but it is a chance for Tisdale to retain the spine of his winning team on Saturday while taking a look at some young talents or fringe players in his squad.

Here is the expected team to play Leyton Orient tonight.

Defence

Jordi van Stappershoef is typically nailed on to play in EFL Trophy games, allowing Anssi Jaakkola a night off. However, Tisdale will wonder whether it is wise to leave the Finland international at home while Rovers' confidence remains somewhat fragile.

Ultimately, van Stappershoef will likely get a chance between the sticks.

There will be few tweaks to Rovers' 4-3-1-2 shape, which worked wonders at the weekend, and the centre-back -pairing of Alfie Kilgour and Jack Baldwin should be given another 90 minutes to build their partnership.

Captain Max Ehmer, who played at right-back on Saturday, could be given a night off with Josh Hare waiting in the wings, and Ali Koiki is a good shout to step in for Luke Leahy on the left of the back four after playing four games on the trot.

Cian Harries and Michael Kelly could be defensive options from the bench.

Zain Westbrooke of Bristol Rovers attacks with Alfie Kilgour of Bristol Rovers. (Robbie Stephenson/JMP)

Midfield

Zain Westbrooke was back in the starting XI on Saturday and he will retain his place at Brisbane Road, but Josh Grant – who has racked up more minutes than any other Rovers player this term – could be in line for a night off.

Ed Upson should continue his run in the team, leaving one vacancy for Tisdale to fill, with Ben Liddle and Cameron Hargreaves the primary options.

Tisdale is yet to see Hargreaves in action, and this could be the ideal chance to get him in the team.

Attack

Jonah Ayunga is set to make his return from a hamstring injury, but after two months out it is unlikely he will play from the start.

That leaves Brandon Hanlan as Rovers' only fit striker and Tisdale will be wondering whether it is worth risking his top scorer.

Zain Walker, after a handful of cameo appearances, should get a chance to start up top this evening, with Sam Nicholson likely to play in a supporting role up top.

Rovers (4-3-1-2): van Stappershoef; Hare, Kilgour, Baldwin, Koiki; Upson, Westbrooke, Hargreaves; Walker, Hanlan, Nicholson.

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