Bristol Rovers predicted XI vs Forest Green: Does Ryan Loft deserve a start after first goal?

Bristol Rovers face one of their toughest tests as they take on a Forest Green Rovers side that are on the verge of promotion.

A draw for Rob Edwards’ side would see them claim their place in League One next season.

Hoping to join them will be the Gas, who possess a good home record, having not lost since mid December, with no defeat in front of their fans in 2022.

Picking a bench has become a difficult task for Barton as there is so much quality on display that he has had to make some tough decisions in leaving players out.

Ultimately though the starting XI is what he hopes will do the business against the pace setters of the division.

Here is how we think Joey Barton will line up hiss side against Forest Green this afternoon.

Goalkeeper

James Belshaw is expected to take his place in between the sticks once more with Jed Ward acting as cover.

Defence

This should be unchanged given the clean sheet against Salford, whilst they will want to shake off that poor start against Port Vale.

Josh Grant has done well to recover from injury and has thrown him right into this promotion race. His versatility is a bonus as against Port Vale, he moved into the midfield after Nick Anderton came on.

Anderton can offer cover for Grant as well as Trevor Clarke, with the latter out of contract at the end of the season.

At right-back would be Luca Hoole, who has coped well in his first season in senior football.

Partnering each other once more is loan duo Connor Taylor and James Connolly, who have build up a formidable partnership. Taylor is nominated for the League Two Young Player of the Award and will want to showcase why he’s been nominated for the award.

And had Connolly been at the club earlier then he may have been in consideration for the personal accolade.

Midfield

Acting as support to the defence will be the midfield duo of Paul Coutts and Sam Finley. Coutts put in a man-of-the-match display against Vale, providing a sublime assist for Elliot Anderson. His role in the team is unrivalled as he has been seen guiding the younger players through this time.

To accommodate the full return of Antony Evans, Elliot Anderson is moved out to the flank. Anderson does benefit from being out wide as a number of his goals at the Memorial Stadium this season have come from him cutting in.

On the opposite flank is namesake Harry, who has been tenacious on that flank and has been well deserving of his place.

In the centre as mentioned will be Evans, who will provide that support to the attack, whilst also trying to influence the game himself from dead ball situations.

Attack

Expected to lead the line again on his own is Aaron Collins, despite going on a recent goal drought, with it being seven games since he found the back of the net.

Barton has given his top scorer his utmost confidence and likened him to the early stages of Roberto Firmino’s Lifverpool career in regards to not finding the back of the net.

Ryan Loft will be confident that he can play a part, albeit he might have to take his opportunity from the bench again.

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