Bristol Rovers line-up versus Oldham Athletic as Joey Barton makes five changes

It’s a slightly different looking line-up to usual as Joey Barton makes a number of changes
Joey Barton has surprised many by making a number of changes. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)Joey Barton has surprised many by making a number of changes. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)
Joey Barton has surprised many by making a number of changes. (Photo by Charlotte Tattersall/Getty Images)

Joey Barton has named his Bristol Rovers side for tonight’s match with Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park this evening and a few changes have been made.

The Gas boss has yielded a number of changes that have caught the eyes of fans with some players dropping to the bench whilst others aren’t in the match day squad.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Despite a good run of form that has seen them pick up 14 points from a possible 18, there have been a total of five changes.

In defence, there have been two changes from the last few games has been a relatively settled backline.

There is a like-for-like swap with the suspended Luca Hoole returning for Josh Grant, who drops out of the match day squad altogether.

Cian Harries is given his first start since January 15 after not making two squads, before becoming an unused substitute in the games against Walsall and Sutton United.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Elliot Anderson has been given a full start after an impressive cameo against Sutton United, as well as some impressive training sessions.

Sam Finley has also made a welcome return to the side after missing the last two matches with an injury.

Winger Luke Thomas, who has been in form as of late drops out of the side, as well as Sam Nicholson.

Other supporting subs are Jed Ward, Sion Spence and Harry Anderson with the latter making an impact in the game against Sutton on Saturday.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A look at the side gives us the belief that it could be a diamond formation in how Bristol Rovers are lining up which isn’t too different from their usual 4-2-3-1 formation.

There would be a flat back four of Nick Anderton, Connor Taylor, Harries and Hoole with Harries and Hoole of course slotting in for Connolly and Grant.

Captain Paul Coutts would be the holding midfielder before being supported by Sam Finley and Elliot Anderson on either side of him with Glenn Whelan and Luke Thomas out of the side.

Antony Evans, who scored a penalty on the weekend then would play in his usual role as a number ten supporting the strikers though there is scope for him to play as a supporting striker to Collins.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Harvey Saunders would make his start alongside Aaron Collins in a front two partnership though the former could drop into the midfield.

Bristol Rovers line-up against Oldham Athletic (4-2-2-2): Anssi Jaakola, Luca Hoole, Connor Taylor, Cian Harries, Nick Anderton, Paul Coutts, Sam Finley, Elliot Anderson, Antony Evans, Aaron Collins and Harvey Saunders.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.