It is too early in the season to dust off the cliche 'six-pointer', but Bristol Rovers' League One clash with Rochdale on Saturday is certainly will play a role in defining both sides' seasons.
The Gas and Dale are level on 23 points, one clear of the relegation zone, and victory for either side ought to provide a platform to move to the security of mid-table as the campaign enters its second half.
Rovers will be buoyed by a gusty performance against Peterborough United on Tuesday, which earned an unlikely point and ended a three-game losing run, plus the return of key players from injury has made them a much more cohesive side
But free-scoring Rochdale are sure to pose a tough test at the Mem, and here is the team Paul Tisdale is expected to select for the challenge.
Defence
Joe Day's performance against Peterborough, which featured 12 saves, earned him a place in the League One team of the week. He will continue in goal, with Jordi van Stappershoef on the bench.
After keeping a clean sheet against one of the best attacks in the division, Tisdale is unlikely to change his defensive formula, though he might encourage his wing-backs to take higher starting positions on their home pitch.
George Williams and Luke Leahy will start on the right and left of the back five respectively, while Max Ehmer, Alfie Kilgour and Jack Baldwin will continue as the three centre-halves and will hope to build on their impressive performance on Tuesday.
Cian Harries will offer centre-back cover on the bench, and Josh Hare, Mark Little, Ali Koiki, Alex Rodman and David Tutonda could also be among the substitutes.
Midfield
Tisdale believes Josh Grant's best performance of the manager's tenure came at Peterborough. He has accumulated five yellow cards, but is available to play after the suspension cut off passed.
Ed Upson is also likely to miss out with a hamstring injury suffered at Crewe earlier this month.
Abu Ogogo impressed alongside Grant, and that partnership could continue. Other options include Zain Westbrooke, Luke McCormick, Josh Barrett, Ben Liddle and Cameron Hargreaves.
The number 10 role is reserved for one man and one man only: Erhun Oztumer.
Attack
Rovers have their first-choice striking duo available again thanks to Sam Nicholson's return to fitness. He came closer than anyone to scoring at London Road on Tuesday, hitting the post, and he will partner Brandon Hanlan, who is due a goal after a serious of selfless shifts up front.
Jonah Ayunga will make the bench, with James Daly not quite ready to be included after an ankle injury.
Rovers (5-2-1-2): Day; Williams, Ehmer (c), Kilgour, Baldwin, Leahy; Ogogo, Grant; Oztumer; Hanlan, Nicholson.
