Bristol Rovers’ expected starting line-up vs Mansfield Town - key decision for choice of goalkeeper

Bristol Rovers are back in League Two action against Mansfield Town on Saturday as they welcome them to the Memorial Stadium.

The Gas after two consecutive away matches that saw them pick up one point from an available six are back amongst their own fans, who they’ll need from now to spur them on if they are to achieve a top seven aim.

Standing in their way are Mansfield who currently sit in fifth in the division with Nigel Clough’s side performing well.

Earlier on in the season, the Stags won in stoppage-time with Danny Johnson scoring a 96th minute penalty after Cian Harries had cancelled out Oliver Hawkins’ opener.

Now towards the last quarter of games in the division, the aim for both sides is to be in contention for promotion and the game is of significant importance to Rovers if they want to remain in contention for the play-offs.

Joey Barton made five changes to his side on Tuesday so we take a gamble and think what kind of team he’ll field on Saturday.

Goalkeeper

Joey Barton has a big decision to make on who he chooses to play between the sticks tomorrow. Anssi Jaakola has played the last two games but failed to keep a clean sheet in those two matches. He was praised for his performance against Oldham after making a number of good saves and redeemed himself after an error against Sutton United.

James Belshaw is back after missing the last two matches with a knee injury and since making the most of Jaakola’s absence, has become an important figure in the side.

Given the games are coming up quick and fast, maybe Jaakola will be fancied for this match as he eases Belshaw back into it.

Defence

Josh Grant looks set for a return after being absent on Tuesday and given his importance to the side, he should be involved. He has received an injection for his injury which should get him through the pain barrier.

Cian Harries slotted in at left-back after partnering James Conolly for the first hour of the match. Harries is predominantly a centre-back and Joey Barton is keen for his full-backs to also be attacking players. Mansfield though do possess a lot of attacking options so Harries could be deployed at full-back.

The partnership of James Connolly and Connor Taylor was one that was working and that may be restored, despite the return of Harries. Connolly has built up a good relationship with his fellow loanee but struggled alongside Harries with the two playing alongside each other for the first time.

Should Taylor be perfectly fine to play after he was withdrawn late before kick-off then he should partner the Cardiff City defender.

Midfield

Sam Finley made a welcome return to the side on Tuesday after being absent through the last few matches through injury.

He would perhaps be best suited in partnering Paul Coutts with the two playing as defensive midfielders though he has the freedom to go forward.

This would leave us with three other midfield spots if the 4-2-3-1 formation is to return which would give two wingers and a number ten.

Luke Thomas despite his form was dropped on Saturday but he could return on one wing whilst Sam Nicholson who found the net could play on the other.

If Antony Evans is unavailable for this match with Rovers not taking any risks then playing Elliot Anderson in the ten could be the best option.

Forward

Up front and on his own should be Aaron Collins, though he is really missing a strong physical presence up top.

Collins got an assist against Oldham, setting up Nicholson, but his position needs to be more central rather than cutting out wide.

Clarke is pushing hard to play but he shouldn’t be thrown straight into the team and instead a role off the bench may be the best option.

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): Anssi Jaakola, Josh Grant, James Connolly, Connor Taylor, Cian Harries, Paul Coutts, Sam Finley, Sam Nicholson, Elliot Anderson, Luke Thomas, Aaron Collins.