Bristol Rovers predicted XI vs Harrogate Town - Gas not expected to make wholesale changes

Bristol Rovers welcome Harrogate Town to the Memorial Stadium as the Gas look to continue their play-off push.

Their last home defeat came against Rochdale back in December and there’s a good feeling around the Memorial Stadium.

Their last home match weekend match against Exeter City was backed by a record crowd whilst they boast one of the best home support in the division, with an average of 6000.

Fans will be delighted that they can watch their team at the Mem again as they try and play a part in the pursuit of a League Two play-off spot at the least.

Team selection is always an interesting talking point and we think we know how Joey Barton might line his side up.

Goalkeeper

It was disappointing that James Belshaw couldn’t get another clean sheet against Crawley but it wasn’t through his own doing. He made a number of good saves and preserved Rovers’ lead but couldn’t keep out Paul Coutts own goal.

From now until the end of the season, it’s hard to see Belshaw ever being displaced from the side.

Defence

There’s no new injury news for Bristol Rovers so it looks like a settled back line once more which is key at this point of the season, because players are growing in confidence.

Luca Hoole, who provided a sublime assist for Aaron Collins, is expected to continue in that wing-back role, which he has made his own since his inclusion in the side at the start of the year.

Connor Taylor, who managed to shake off a slight niggle on Tuesday, continues to partner on-loan Cardiff City defender James Connolly.

In recent weeks, Nick Anderton has earned some credit for how he has played at left-back. He’s alternated with Harry Anderson but if Sam Nicholson is unavailable then Anderson would continue to play as a midfielder.

Anderton scored the winning goal against Harrogate, so he knows how to be a thorn in their side.

Midfield

The absence of Sam Nicholson on Tuesday meant some enforced changes to the side. In came Sam Finley and Paul Coutts, who took their place in the centre of the pitch.

It meant Antony Evans could push up the pitch and at least play in a higher position up the pitch.

He played on the left flank, away from his natural position as an attacking midfielder. Instead Elliot Anderson played in that role. Harry Anderson, who got a goal in midweek started on the right.

There isn’t much of a need to change things in the midfield area as after overcoming the Newport disappointment, there was a bit more rhythm in the side.

Forward

Back amongst the goals this week, Aaron Collins was deserving of his goal against Crawley. It’s refreshing to see how he’s overcome his early season struggles to become a key part of the side.

Asked by BristolWorld in Joey Barton’s pre-match press conference, it was asked what Ryan Loft has to do, given there was a desire for an out-and-out number nine.

Instead, Collins has become the ideal forward in this superb run of form. The Welshman has adapted his name studying the likes of Roberto Firmino and Robert Lewandowski, applying it to the best of his ability to his own game.

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