Bristol Rovers predicted line-up for League One clash with Oxford United

Bristol Rovers hope to bounce back from their midweek Carabao Cup exit with the visit of Oxford United.

The Gas won 4-0 against Burton Albion last week to get their first league win of the season but were dumped out of the Cup by Crawley Town with former striker Tom Nicholls on target.

As a result of the thin squad at Joey Barton’s disposal, he made just one change which was enforced with James Gibbons completely absent from the squad.

The full picture has been revealed and one of the summer signings is now out for up to 12 weeks in a massive blow.

A new face has arrived however with centre-back Lewis Gibson joining on a season-long loan from Everton.

Could the Toffees defender make the starting line-up? Here is how we think Rovers might line up against Karl Robinson’s U’s today.

GK: James Belshaw

Joey Barton spoke highly of Belshaw and how ‘aggressive’ he is when it comes to the style of play they adopt because he is a sweeper keeper.

The decision to loan Jed Ward out to Hungerford Town whilst keeping Anssi Jaakkola as a goalkeeping coach means Belshaw is the obvious first choice.

RB: Luca Hoole

It’s back to a more familiar role for Wales Under-21 defender Hoole who should continue at full-back for the second game running.

He was at centre-back for the first two league games with mixed success but a few injuries as well as the arrival of a new centre-back means he should revert back to his old role.

CB: James Connolly

Another start for the young Welsh defender who scored his first goal at League One level against Burton last week.

CB: Lewis Gibson

Gibson was announced yesterday by Rovers which should allow him to make his debut today. As seen with Lewis Gordon last week, two training sessions can be enough to make your first-team debut. Gibson would come in for Alfie Kilgour who started in midweek.

LB: Lewis Gordon

A third consecutive start for a player that’s only been in the building since Thursday and only made his debut seven days ago.

Did well against the ten-men of Burton, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fares against wingers who have been at the top of their game at this level.

CM: Paul Coutts

It should be the return of the skipper today who has served all of his four match ban now.

Coutts has had a few knocks and niggles but should be ready. He has been around the place despite his suspension, helping the younger players in training sessions.

CM: Sam Finley

The return of Sam Finley against Burton last week is a big boost with plenty of fans waxing lyrical about his performance.

He is so important as to how Rovers function in the midfield.

RM: Harry Anderson

We should see ‘Rhino’ play on the flank today where it is his best position. He’s a player that can cause many problems and unlock doors for the Rovers attack.

CAM: Antony Evans

Last week saw Evans play a more deeper role where he was almost partnering Finley, this week he can go back to focusing on the best side of his game, attacking.

LM: Aaron Collins

It was an exceptional performance from Collins last week with his first-half brace.

Collins continues to play well despite reverting back to left-sided midfield which could be his long-term role.

ST: John Marquis

Credit to Ryan Loft who has worked hard and perhaps should have a goal to show for it but it looks like we could revert back to the old formation of one striker.

Marquis is still yet to find the net but has that experience at this level that once he gets off the mark the goals will come.