Bristol Rovers predicted starting XI versus Leyton Orient - Antony Evans return provides selection headache

Bristol Rovers are in London this evening to face Leyton Orient in a midweek round of fixtures in League Two, but how will they line up?
Antony Evans is a key player for Bristol Rovers but should he be risked straight away? (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)Antony Evans is a key player for Bristol Rovers but should he be risked straight away? (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)
Antony Evans is a key player for Bristol Rovers but should he be risked straight away? (Photo by Alex Burstow/Getty Images)

Bristol Rovers are in the capital to face Leyton Orient this evening as they look to continue their positive run in League Two.

The Gas are unbeaten in their last three matches and are pushing towards a play-off spot so will want to avoid any slip ups against an out-of-form O’s side.

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There is a welcome problem for Joey Barton now who knows there will be competition for places with more and more players returning to the fold after recovering from respective injuries.

For the past few games, Barton has gone unchanged but there is a decision to make on whether to freshen things up to ensure players are fit for the run-in ahead or whether consistency is key.

Here is how we think they will line up his side at Brisbane Road this evening with the aim of getting maximum points.

Goalkeeper

Another clean sheet for James Belshaw on Saturday, who still had to be alert despite the dominant scoreline. The current defence have confidence when Belshaw plays so his place in the side is almost a given.

Defence

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Another solid performance was delivered by Luca Hooleagainst Stevenage, with Barton reserving individual praise for the right-back for dealing with any late threat from the opposition. His closing down at his near post meant that Belshaw kept his clean sheet.

Joey Barton has revealed that Alfie Kilgour has had a setback and isn’t as close to a first-team return as once expected. It’s not the best of news as there needs to be options available to provide cover at centre-back with only Pablo Martinez on the bench on Saturday.

Touch wood nothing happens to Connor Taylor or James Connolly as the two 20-year-old’s have built up a good partnership given they’ve only been together for a month.

Josh Grant is almost back on the grass but Tuesday may come too soon so expect Nick Anderton to continue to play there.

Elliot Anderson deserves to continue in a role where he is thriving. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)Elliot Anderson deserves to continue in a role where he is thriving. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Elliot Anderson deserves to continue in a role where he is thriving. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Midfield

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It was a good week for Sam Finley last week, getting a goal and an assist in the two games he played. He seems back to full fitness now which is a good thing as he’s unplayable at this level.

He along with captain Paul Coutts were substituted in the second-half but that shouldn’t mean anything other than giving them a break. The pair play well when both are available so they should be the two holding midfielders in this team.

In the past few games, Harry Anderson has been fancied by Joey Barton in games and given he’s returned a few goals, as well as giving something else going forward, he’ll be in contention for another start for sure.

There is a decision for Barton to make on whether he throws Antony Evans straight back in given he may return this evening after a three-game absence. Elliot Andersonthough is in full swing in the ten role and put in a man-of-the-match display on the weekend. Perhaps we’ll see Evans on the bench and if it isn’t going Rovers way, he’ll be brought on to ease him back into action.

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Playing on the other flank to Harry Anderson could be Sam Nicholson, who may not have stood out as much with any goals or assists in recent games but is still a tricky player going forward.

Forward

Ryan Loft made a 20-minute cameo on Saturday and caused some problems off of the bench. Leon Clarke wasn’t afforded the same opportunity, probably due to both having the same kind of stature. Despite both being available now, their return to the side will need to be managed carefully which is why both should be named on the subs bench this evening.

Aaron Collins found the net once more and is now just four goals shy of last season’s tally, so he’ll be expected to lead the line on his own given he’s fully fit.

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Connor Taylor, James Connolly, Nick Anderton; Sam Finley, Paul Coutts; Sam Nicholson, Elliot Anderson, Harry Anderson, Aaron Collins.

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