Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Sport
John Evely

Will Graham Coughlan play the kids? How we think Bristol Rovers v Barnsley will go

Bristol Rovers conclude their season at home to Barnsley today.

The Gas go into the match sitting in 16th place while the visitors are chasing the League One title having secured promotion in midweek.

Here is what the Bristol Live football writers think will happen today.

Bristol Rovers manager Graham Coughlan speaks to the media (Matt McNulty/JMP)

David Byrom

Do you expect any changes to the team?

A few. Graham Coughlan has denied that he will make wholesale changes to the side and that he wants to win the match. Therefore, I'm not expecting a lot of kids to start, but the likes of Michael Kelly and Alex Jakubiak may well get a game.

With Rovers' home form a little patchy, Coughlan may well opt to go strong in order to send fans home from the Mem in a happy mood at the end of the season.

Ollie Clarke of Bristol Rovers shoots (Arron Gent/JMP)

Who will be Rovers' key man and why?

Ollie Clarke. The midfielder has been in sensational form recently and almost handed Rovers three points when he cracked a long-range shot against the post against Fleetwood Town. With Barnsley coming to the Mem looking for a win that could give them the League One title, Ollie Clarke could well find the sort of space in between the midfield and defence that he can exploit.

'A rock and a hard place' - Full Graham Coughlan transcript on Bristol Rovers transfer plans, Barnsley and season debriefs 

Is there anything about the opposition that concerns you?

The fact they need to win the game is obviously a concern - there's a lot more riding on it for Barnsley than there is for Rovers. Their firepower up front is excellent and Kieffer Moore and Cauley Woodrow are two players with a fearsome reputation in League One.

How do you expect the game to go and what's your predicted scoreline?

I think Rovers will put up a good fight, but I think Barnsley's need to win will see them through. A 2-1 win to the away side.

John Evely

Do you expect any changes to the team?

Manager Graham Coughlan has said he will not make wholesale changes for the final game of the season but it will be interesting to see whether he gives a few youngsters a chance to play with the club’s place in League One secured. I think Alfie Kilgour may start and Deon Moore and Lucas Tomlinson could possibly make the matchday squad. 

Who will be Rovers' key man and why?

Tom Lockyer could have a big game ahead of him as Barnsley come to the Memorial Stadium looking for a big victory to give themselves a chance to win the League One title. To do it they need to win, and score goals to reduce the four better goal difference leaders Luton Town have over them. Both sides start the day level on 91 points.

The skipper will have to be at his best to keep the defence in shape to combat the visitors.

'I've got a nose for a League One player' - Graham Coughlan reveals Bristol Rovers summer recruitment plans

Is there anything about the opposition that concerns you?

Ambition more than anything else. Rovers’ players could well have one eye on their summer holidays having completed the job of staying in the division while Barnsley, who are already promoted, have plenty to play for with the league title up for grabs.

How do you expect the game to go and what's your predicted scoreline?

I expect Barnsley to fly out the blocks and put pressure on the home side right away. But that is not necessarily a problem. If they can hold out and frustrate, then Rovers are suited to hitting sides on the break better than they are at breaking them down. That said I think the visitors will win 3-1.

 
Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.