Bristol Rovers predicted line-up vs Mansfield: Inigo Calderon makes two key changes for crunch clash

League One relegation strugglers Bristol Rovers will hope that home comforts can inspire them to another crucial victory at the Memorial Stadium as they play host to Mansfield Town this weekend.

The Gas have been great at home this season and have picked up 31 points from 18 games which gives them an average points per game of 1.72 which is only bettered by seven other teams in the division this term.

It is a stark contrast to their woeful record on the road which has seen them manage just 11 points from 20 matches, an average of just 0.55 points per game, which even basement side Shrewsbury Town (0.56) have managed to better slightly this season despite being 14 points away from safety as Michael Appleton prepares for his first match in charge of the Shropshire side after Gareth Ainsworth’s bombshell exit to Gillingham.

Bristol Rovers recorded victories over promotion chasers Bolton and Huddersfield Town in their most recent outings at the Memorial Stadium but slipped back into jeopardy after being hammered 5-0 at Lincoln while also losing 1-0 to relegation-threatened Crawley.

Inigo Calderon remain in the survival driving seat with a six point gap on Burton Albion but know that there is no room for slip ups this weekend ahead of a tricky patch of games with Birmingham, Bolton and Wrexham all featuring in the fixture list at the start of April. With that in mind, we take a look at Bristol Rovers’ predicted starting line-up for this huge game against Mansfield as Calderon makes 2 changes to the team that were beaten at Crawley.

Goalkeeper and defence

Goalkeeper: Jed Ward: Academy graduate Ward was recalled from his loan at Forest Green after Josh Griffiths’ loan spell from West Brom was cut short. He’s made 10 appearances this term in League One.

Right-back: Jack Hunt: Veteran Hunt is expected to retain his place in the side as he looks to offer vital experience in this year’s relegation fight.

Centre back: James Wilson: Welsh defender Wilson has been an ever-present with 38 appearances. He’s likely to keep his place and will hope to offer a threat from set plays after registering two goals this season.

Centre back: Connor Taylor: An established first team regular with 34 appearances this term, Taylor is expected to keep his spot.

Left-back: Lino Sousa: Aston Villa loanee Sousa comes in for Clinton Mola in one of a number of possible changes.

Midfield and attack

Central midfield - Matt Butcher: Butcher told the club website that his side has reacted well in training to the frustrating 1-0 loss to Crawley Town and wants to continue the momentum in BS7.

Right midfield - Shaq Forde: Forde was benched for Luke Thomas last time out but may be reintroduced to the starting line-up after coming on for the last 34 minutes at Crawley.

Central midfield - Kofi Shaw: The 18-year-old has made seven appearances this term and looks to be a real prospect.

Central midfield - Grant Ward: Ward is expected to make his 29th league appearance of the season.

Left midfield: Scott Sinclair: Captain Scott Sinclair is expected to play a vital role between now and the end of the season.

Striker - Gatlin O'Donkor: 20-year-old O'Donkor could be handed an opportunity to play from the start after the team’s two-match goalless streak.

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