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Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
Sam Frost

The expected Bristol Rovers team to play Hull City with Max Ehmer and Ed Upson in contention

Bristol Rovers head to Hull City on Saturday in need of points as they battle the threat of relegation, and Gas boss Joey Barton has several injury concerns to contend with.

The Gas hang one point above the League One relegation zone and Saturday's trip to title-chasing Hull is sure to be a test of their mettle.

Rovers have improved their performances since the arrival of Barton less than a fortnight ago, and the manager will be desperate for his side avoid self-inflicting any damage at the KCOM Stadium after individual errors and lapses in discipline cost points against relegation Rivals Burton Albion and Wigan Athletic.

However, several players have fitness concerns hanging over them, making the challenge all the more difficult for the Gas.

Here is the expected Rovers team to take on the Tigers on Saturday...

Defence

Joe Day has cleared concussion protocol after being knocked unconscious against Shrewsbury Town a week ago, and he is likely to return to the starting XI in place of Jordi van Stappershoef, who will drop to the bench. Anssi Jaakkola remains sidelined due to an Achilles injury.

George Williams has an ankle knock and is a doubt. He would likely be replaced by club captain Max Ehmer on the right of the defence, should the former MK Dons defender be ruled out.

Alfie Kilgour and Cian Harries are likely to beat Jack Baldwin to the remaining spots in the back three, while Pablo Martinez could make the bench after being elevated to the first-team squad by Barton this week.

The wing-backs are likely to remain unchanged, with Alex Rodman and Luke Leahy keeping their places.

Ali Koiki, David Tutonda and Josh Hare could be named as substitutes.

Midfield

Luke McCormick is suspended after his costly red card against Burton in midweek, meaning Ed Upson could be in line for a start.

He will be partnered with Josh Grant at the base of midfield, while attacking roles will be reserved for Zain Westbrooke and Sam Nicholson.

Cameron Hargreaves, Ben Liddle and Erhun Oztumer could be among the substitutes, while Josh Barrett and Abu Ogogo remain ruled out through injury.

Attack

Rovers' top scorer Brandon Hanlan continues to nurse an Achilles problem and is once again a doubt to play, but he has started all of Barton's games so far and is a pivotal piece of the tactical puzzle the manager is trying to piece together.

The 23-year-old has not trained fully this week, but that has not stopped him playing in recent weeks and he will more than likely play from the start.

James Daly and Jonah Ayunga would offer attacking alternatives from the bench, while young Zain Walker is also an option after being called up into the first team by Barton this week.

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

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