Bristol Rovers predicted XI v Northampton Town: Joey Barton urged to stick in crucial League Two six-pointer

Bristol Rovers are away at Northampton Town today in what can only be described as a six-pointer at this stage of the League Two season.

Both sides are involved in a promotion race and a positive result for either side today will do the world of good for them with the both having the same goal.

Northampton, currently in second, occupying one of the automatic promotion spots, are five points ahead of the Gas but there are just three points separating the two teams.

After Newport’s defeat to Hartlepool United on Friday night, there is a big opportunity for Joey Barton and his side to gain some ground on the sides above them.

A win could put Rovers as high as third though there will need to be a few results that go in their favour. They also hold a good record at Sixfields, having not lost there since August 2015.

They also beat Northampton in the reverse fixture back in November with Josh Grant and Antony Evans scoring in the second-half after Sam Hoskins opener. That was even when Glenn Whelan was shown a second yellow card which meant the task was made even harder to claim the victory.

One thing that may affect the Gas is that they haven’t picked up an away win against the top seven so far so if they want to make pressure count, today is where it starts.

When it comes to team selection, it almost writes itself. Barton hasn’t shuffled the playing deck for the last three matches and that could be the same for this match, as he continues to name his best side.

Below is how what we think the team will be when Barton names his side an hour until kick-off.