Bristol Rovers’ final game of a season of pain will give a much-needed look towards, hopefully, a brighter future.
A summer of change is inevitable after relegation to League Two, and the past, present and future of the club will be on display at Bloomfield Road on Sunday as Joey Barton’s Gas face promotion-chasing Blackpool.
For some, it will be their final appearance for Rovers. For others it will be the last chapter of a terrible season they will hope to put right next year. And for a few, it could be their opening bow.
This is how Rovers are expected to line up on Sunday...
Goalkeeper
Anssi Jaakkola will be pivotal to Rovers’ fortunes next term and he will not be risked on Sunday with nothing on the line after an injury-hit season.
In his stead, Barton has indicated 17-year-old academy product Jed Ward could make his debut. He has featured on the bench a couple of times and could get his first taste of senior action.
Should Ward get the nod, Joe Day will make the bench ahead of his loan deal from Cardiff City expiring.
Defence
Rovers’ run-in has been marred by injuries, and the Gas have another man ruled out in Alfie Kilgour after he sustained a hamstring injury against Crewe last week.
Barton is likely to select a back three with George Williams and Jack Baldwin keeping their places, and Kilgour’s absence will allow Pablo Martinez to get a starting chance in a more familiar defensive role having played in midfield in recent weeks.
Alex Rodman and Luke Leahy are likely to start as the wing-backs, with Josh Hare, David Tutonda, Mark Little and Cian Harries options for the bench.
Midfield
Barton revealed in his pre-match press conference Ed Upson has likely played his final game for Rovers after suffering a hamstring injury during a gym workout while serving a suspension.
Upson’s injury and Josh Grant’s continued absence leaves Barton with few options in midfield, but Luke McCormick should have recovered from a foot issue to make his final appearance of an impressive loan spell from Chelsea.
The 22-year-old could be partnered in central midfield with Zain Westbrooke, with Erhun Oztumer, Josh Barrett, Cameron Hargreaves, Ben Liddle and Tom Mehew possible substitutes.
Attack
Barton said Sunday’s game is an opportunity to give minutes to Rovers’ younger players, and James Daly and Zain Walker should be given starting chances in the front three.
Brandon Hanlan had recovered from a dead leg to lead the line, with development squad striker Kieran Phillips possibly an option for the bench.
Jonah Ayunga is ruled out injured.
Rovers (3-4-3): Ward; Williams, Baldwin, Martinez; Rodman, McCormick, Westbrooke, Leahy (c); Walker, Hanlan, Daly.
