Ben Garner was unable to savour his first three points as Bristol Rovers boss for too long, with Saturday's tough test at Sunderland looming large on the horizon.
Garner's Gas travel to Wearside after securing their first win in 15 games last weekend, coming from behind to beat Blackpool 2-1 at the Mem.
But life is not getting any easier for the Pirates, who will take on an in-form Black Cats side gunning for promotion – with a hostile crowd in excess of 30,000 set to roar them on.
It is sure to be a tough examination for the Rovers players, meaning the manager has several selection conundrums to figure out. Here is how the Gas are expected to line up at the Stadium of Light.
Goalkeeper
Jamal Blackman spoke eloquently in the week on a range of topics as he continues to impress on his loan move from Chelsea.
With Anssi Jaakkola not due to return to training for several weeks yet, the gloves belong to Blackman, who made a crucial stoppage-time save against Blackpool, for now.
Jordi van Stappershoef will be the keeper on the bench.
Defence
Garner is expected to stick with the back four, and 4-3-3 formation, used against the Tangerines.
Mark Little should keep his place at right-back with Josh Hare still a week or two away from returning to first-team action, while Luke Leahy seems to be ahead of Tareiq Holmes-Dennis in Garner's mind for the left-back spot.
The centre-halves will be Tony Craig and Alfie Kilgour, with the Gas boss hesitant to blood Cian Harries at the moment and Rollin Menayese down the pecking order.
However, it is not out of the question Garner could opt for a back three to match up with Sunderland's shape like he did to relatively good effect against Coventry City earlier this month.
In that scenario, Harries or Menayese could play as the third centre-half, given Kilgour's versatility which has seen him play well across the back line.
Midfield
A tried-and-trusted midfield trio of Ed Upson, Abu Ogogo and Ollie Clarke has been Garner's preference of late, and that will likely continue on Wearside.
Their experience will be vital in a testing atmosphere, though, as a combination, they might be a little limited in possession – which Garner highlighted as one of the keys to getting a result at the Stadium of Light, so it would not be a huge surprise if someone like Josh Barrett was thrown in to add a bit more poise in possession.
Cameron Hargreaves could offer legs from the bench.
Attack
Jonson Clarke-Harris will lead the line and Garner will desperate for the big man to offer a focal point up front, holding the ball up to give Rovers a platform to attack.
Jayden Mitchell-Lawson is likely to start on the left flank, and his pace could be a valuable asset to the Gas when they look to hurt the home defence.
The only change expected from the Blackpool win is Josh Ginnelly, who scored the winning goal at the Mem, replacing Alex Rodman – who has enjoyed a decent run of performances.
But with the Rovers boss looking to create a culture of competition for places the 22-year-old should be rewarded with a start.
James Daly should make the bench and has a good chance of making his debut after recovering from a minor ankle injury, and Timmy Abraham will also be an impact option for Garner to call on.
Gavin Reilly could also be in the squad.
