Bristol Rovers predicted XI vs Oldham Athletic: Full debut expected for Newcastle United loanee

Bristol Rovers play their second consecutive away game as they travel to Boundary Park this evening to face Oldham Athletic.

It’s a must-win for the Gas if they want to continue their promotion push but Oldham are a side that are a potential banana skin.

The Latics are in the relegation zone but since the return of John Sheridan, they’ve yet to concede a goal and claimed a dramatic win over Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

A win could take them as high as 11th whilst also putting them on the same points as ninth and ten though the current teams possess a much healthier goal difference.

Given the games are coming thick and fast for Rovers right now, there may be scope to change the team round slightly.

Here is how we think Joey Barton may line his side up against Oldham Athletic this evening.

Goalkeeper

Anssi Jaakkola should start his second game back after returning from injury. A knee injury to James Belshaw has given him his chance and he’s got to take it.

There was an error from the Finnish goalkeeper that led to Sutton’s goal on the weekend but he made amends with a few late saves.

Defence

Luca Hoole is back in contention now after serving a suspension but Saturday’s back four is the strongest you’ll get for the time being.

Josh Grant is a healthy option at right-back as he has a smart footballing brain that can make him balance the roles between attack and defence.

With Alfie Kilgour still missing from action, the strongest defensive partnership is loan duo Connor Taylor and James Connolly. The more games the two play alongside each other, the better they’ll get of an understanding of one another.

Continuing in his role at left-back should be Nick Anderton who is more than a capable option there.

Midfield

Expect Elliot Anderson to make his full-start for Bristol Rovers this evening after Joey Barton waxed lyrical about the player.

Anderson wowed him, Andy Mangan and members of the first-team squad in his first training session on Thursday.

He put in a capable performance after replacing Glenn Whelan on Saturday so that is who he could replace. He would be partnering captain Paul Coutts in a two-man defensive midfield.

The return of Sam Finley though could see a bit more of a midfield reshuffle, though it would be best not to rush him back given the importance to the team. Jon Nolan was also another new face brought into the club but he is not expected to be part of today’s match day squad.

Attack

Up in attack, you should expect the usual with a three-man midfield supporting front-man Aaron Collins up front.

Collins didn’t find the net on Saturday but is still the top scorer, so starting one of your in-form players is the best decision. As both Leon Clarke and Ryan Loft are continued absentees, Harvey Saunders is the only other forward option to challenge Collins, but the two supplement each other well.

Playing just behind Collins as almost a secondary striker should be Antony Evans, who scored from the penalty spot on Saturday. Then on both flanks should be Luke Thomas and Sam Nicholson.

If Finley is fully fit then maybe Elliot Anderson could replace Nicholson as a wide player but the Scot is one of Barton’s trusted players.

Jordan Jones’ predicted XI for Oldham Athletic: Anssi Jaakkola; Josh Grant, Connor Taylor, James Connolly, Nick Anderton, Elliot Anderson, Paul Coutts, Luke Thomas, Antony Evans, Sam Nicholson, Aaron Collins.