Bristol Rovers’ predicted starting XI versus Rochdale - who replaces Finley and Harries?

Bristol Rovers are in search of their first league win in four games as they welcome Rochdale to the Memorial Stadium.

Joey Barton’s side have recorded wins against both Oxford United and Sutton United in the FA Cup, but they’ve not won a League Two game since beating Northampton Town just over a month ago.

Rochdale themselves are out of form and have not won since the 30th October, whilst they tasted defeat to Hartlepool on Wednesday.

Ahead of the match, there are some selection issues for the Gas boss to deal with suspensions and injuries still impacting who he chooses.

Here is how we think Bristol Rovers might line up against The Dale tomorrow.

What we think for goalkeeper and defence

Firstly, we’re going to adopt a 4-3-3 formation which we have seen a few times this season.

James Belshawis all but certain to start given he’s the first-choice goalkeeper. Not much has been said about Anssi Jaakkola returning so with only Jed Ward in contention, he should play.

In defence is where it will become tricky as Cian Harries is suspended for this match, leaving Rovers light in defence. Alfie Kilgour of course is out too until February.

On-loan Stoke City defender Connor Taylor could line up with Glenn Whelan at centre-back, given he played there for the first-half against Sutton, but maybe it would best be suited to play Pablo Martinez.

Nick Anderton and Harry Anderson should play on each flank of the defence in the absence of Josh Grant.

In midfield

Given the absence of Sam Finley in midfield, perhaps dropping Collins into the midfield three alongside Whelan and Paul Coutts could work, as he can play as the central attacking midfielder in the ten role.

Collins scored his first league goal in midweek and scored it from outside the box, so it could work to try him there.

In attack, perhaps it’s time to introduce Brett Pitman back to the fold after a few substitute appearances.

Pitman had a goal ruled out against Salford City and after recovering from injury, maybe trying him up front from the start of the match could tire out Rochdale’s defence.

Alongside him in an attacking three will be Antony Evans and Sam Nicholson, who are both full of energy.

It was discussed whether the club should cash in on them earlier this week given their contracts expire at the end of the season.

Nicholson has been an impressive player and in Rovers’ attacks involves a number of players, picking up a few assists.

How we think Bristol Rovers (4-3-3) will line up against Rochdale tomorrow: Belshaw, Anderson, Taylor, Martinez, Anderton, Whelan, Coutts (C), Collins, Nicholson, Pitman, Evans.