Ben Garner's Bristol Rovers head to Southend United on Saturday with three points at the top of the agenda as they look to halt a dreadful run of form.
Defeat against Shrewsbury Town last time out left the Gas with just one win in 17 games as pressure mounts on the manager.
Despite their poor form, Rovers head to Roots Hall as favourites with the bookmakers with Southend battling chaos on and off the pitch.
But Garner has issues of his own, primarily a shoulder injury to top scorer Jonson Clarke-Harris who is a major doubt to play in Essex.
However, a star of the early weeks of the season could make his long-awaited return to action for the Pirates.
Here is how Rovers are expected to line up against Sol Campbell's Shrimpers.
Goalkeeper
Jamal Blackman was Rovers' best player in defeat against the Shrews, and he will be between the sticks again on Saturday with Anssi Jaakkola's first-team return a few weeks away.
Jordi van Stappershoef will be the Chelsea loanee's understudy.
Defence
Josh Hare is in line to make his long-awaited return after tearing his ACL in the autumn, and he will provide energy and attacking endeavour on the right flank in what could be a 3-5-2 setup – which Garner could revert to for a number of reasons.
On the opposite side, with Tareiq Holmes-Dennis not playing in Tuesday's under-23s game it seems he could be a set for a return to action with Luke Leahy not at the top of his game in recent weeks and perhaps in need of a short break after playing a lot of football.
The three centre-half setup allows Cian Harries to make his full debut on the left, while Alfie Kilgour will play on the right of Tony Craig in the centre.
Rollin Menayese will offer cover from the bench, and Alex Rodman could be an alternative option at wing back.
Midfield
The possible change of shape could require a different blend in midfield. Ollie Clarke, the captain, is likely to keep his place, but there is a chance Liam Sercombe slides deeper into the midfield in place of Ed Upson to give Garner the player who can weave through the lines that he desires.
In that scenario, it would be Josh Ginnelly who plays in a number 10 role in front of them, offering pace and a creative spark from central areas.
Josh Barrett, Cameron Hargreaves and Kyle Bennett, who recently reappeared on the bench after impressing in training, could also be involved.
Attack
With Clarke-Harris a big doubt, Garner will likely have to look elsewhere for his goals.
The issue he has is he doesn't appear to have a player ready to play in a lone striking role – another reason why a 3-5-2 could be used at Roots Hall.
While Garner will be crossing his fingers JCH is fit to play through his shoulder problem, James Daly and Timmy Abraham will likely be the alternative pairing – getting their first stars for the Gas.
While both are inexperienced, they will bring the energy and intent Rovers lacked against Shrewsbury.
Jayden Mitchell-Lawson could miss out due to the lack of a natural position for him in a 3-5-2, but he could be a vital impact option from the bench.
Rodman and Gavin Reilly could also be called on.
