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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

Expected Bristol Rovers team to play Sheffield United as Gas eye cup shock

After three wins in four league games, Bristol Rovers will fancy their chances of causing an FA Cup upset against Sheffield United on Saturday.

Paul Tisdale has the privilege of selecting a relatively settled side, a pleasure the Premier League Blades do not boast with just 16 players fit to travel to the Mem.

After navigating ties against Walsall and Darlington, plus an upturn in league form since Tisdale's arrival in November, Rovers are confident they can overcome the Premier League's bottom club, who are without a win in 17 league games this season.

This is the team Tisdale is expected to pick on Saturday...

Defence

Rovers goalkeeping concerns have been eased by some steadier performances from Jordi van Stappershoef in Anssi Jaakkola's absence, and the loan signing of Joe Day from Cardiff City has only bolstered his options.

At Rovers' press conference on Thursday, Tisdale said they were still waiting for international clearance from the Welsh FA for Day to feature against the Blades, but the paperwork should get done in time for him to make his debut.

In front of him is likely to be an unchanged back four, with skipper Max Ehmer continuing his stint at right-back. Luke Leahy will be deployed opposite him on the left, while Alfie Kilgour and Jack Baldwin are set to start in the centre of defence.

Mark Little, Cian Harries, Michael Kelly, Josh Hare, Ali Koiki and David Tutonda are options for the bench.

Midfield

Rovers' narrow midfield diamond has served them well so far, and Tisdale has no reason to change shape on Saturday.

The base of the diamond will be occupied by Ed Upson, with Zain Westbrooke to one side. The other side could be reserved for Josh Grant, who is back from a hamstring injury. Should Grant return, Luke McCormick will drop to the bench.

Leading the diamond is likely to be playmaker Erhun Oztumer.

Josh Barrett, Alex Rodman, Cameron Hargreaves and Ben Liddle could make the bench.

Attack

Chemistry between Brandon Hanlan and Sam Nicholson is building, with both getting on the scoresheet against Blackpool last time out.

Tisdale has no reason to change that pairing, particularly with James Daly still ruled out with an ankle injury.

Jonah Ayunga should make the bench to offer extra firepower if required, and Zain Walker could also be involved.

Rovers (4-3-1-2): Day; Ehmer (c), Kilgour, Baldwin, Leahy; Upson, Grant, Westbrooke; Oztumer; Nicholson, Hanlan.

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