Bristol Rovers aim to recover from their defeat to Ipswich Town as they host promotion favourites Barnsley in their first home match of the 2023/24 League One season.
The Gas suffered a 2-0 loss to the Tractor Boys midweek in the Carabao Cup, meanwhile Barnsley went out on penalties following a 2-2 draw in normal time.
Herbie Kane got Barnsley back on level terms after they trailed to Luke Norris opener and then in the eighth minute of stoppage time Aiden Marsh took the game to spot kicks after Sam Taylor had given Tranmere the lead. Rovers at Portman Road meanwhile conceded in the 12th minute to Jack Taylor and then Sone Aluko in the last quarter of the match secured victory for the Championship new boys.
No new injury concerns emerged fortunately and we also saw Luke McCormick involved, whilst Ryan Loft was named on the bench also. George Friend’s return date is still not set whilst James Gibbons is still a ‘few weeks away’ and with no new arrivals this week, it’s somewhat of a settled squad.
One Rovers player with a point to prove will be Luke Thomas who left Oakwell to sign a three-year deal with Rovers. He returned to the Yorkshire club last year and after helping the Gas win promotion, played a small part in helping Barnsley reach the League One play-offs. He scored on the opening day against Portsmouth and should start again.
With all that in mind, here’s how we think Rovers could line up on Saturday afternoon...
1. GK: Matt Cox
Started the last two matches, and was said to have been solid against Ipswich despite the defeat. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
2. RB: Luca Hoole
Right-back is Hoole’s to lose, and he’s quite a solid option to have there. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
3. CB: James Wilson
His absence in the starting XI was felt against Ipswich, but a rest will have done him some good. Photo: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
4. CB: Connor Taylor
The second home debut of Taylor, wow exciting! James Connolly was a shock inclusion last week but now Taylor has some games under his belt, and a full weeks training, he should start his first league match. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images