Bristol Rovers’ predicted starting line-up against Swindon Town as Joey Barton urged to go defensive

The Gas will come up against their former manager Ben Garner, who has gone from a year of struggle at the Mem to turning Swindon into serious promotion contenders.

Barton, the man who brought an end to Garner’s time as Rovers boss by defeating them with Fleetwood Town, is now tasked with masterminding a win over the Robins.

Earlier in the season, the Gas fell to a 3-1 defeat to Swindon who put in one of the best opposition performances there.

With some players returning back to the fold as the injury and suspension situation becomes less of an issue, we take a look at what the line-up could be come it’s midday announcement.

In goals is as expected is James Belshaw who drew high praise from Barton last week in his post-match presser. With the game evenly poised at 0-0, Hartlepool had a number of chances to go in front but he pulled off a string of good saves. Despite the return of Anssi Jaakkola, don’t expect a change in between the sticks.

Last week’s centre-backs are probably the three you’d persist with given their quality. Alfie Kilgour did look a bit shaky and despite the clean sheet showed signs of a player who was coming back from injury. Cian Harries was a bit similar, almost conceding a penalty as well as picking up a booking.

Stoke City loanee Connor Taylor meanwhile continued to perform well, making a number of good tackles and interceptions.

Perhaps expect a change in the defence where Josh Grant would play as a right-back whilst Nick Anderton would be played as a left-back.

Last week was quite an attacking side against Hartlepool with Antony Evans and Sam Nicholson kind of both playing in a number eight role which allowed them some freedom but this won’t be afforded this weekend. Swindon are a possession based side and it could mean a more defensive line up is named.

The return of Sam Finley is a boost as at times this season we’ve seen a midfield three of him, Paul Coutts and Glenn Whelan.

Coutts put in another strong performance and had his work cut out last week but he should start, I’d partner him alongside Finley with the two working as holding midfielders.

Opting to play without any wingers but allowing the full-backs to go forward, I’d play Antony Evans in the attacking midfielder role given his influence in the team with the most goal contributions.

Playing alongside him you’d put in Sam Nicholson who would have another opportunity to run free, though there would still need to be some defensive cover.

Up front, Aaron Collins is a player who is on form and it would be hard to drop him right now. He’s the club’s top scorer and is high on confidence. Expect a front two partnership of him and January recruit Ryan Loft, who had a quiet debut. Loft’s got to get a run of games in the side to know what Rovers are about.

Jordan Jones’ Bristol Rovers line-up against Swindon Town: James Belshaw, Nick Anderton, Connor Taylor, Alfie Kilgour, Josh Grant, Sam Finley, Paul Coutts, Antony Evans, Sam Nicholson. Aaron Collins, Ryan Loft.