Bristol Rovers team confirmed as Joey Barton makes two changes vs Port Vale

Club captain Paul Coutts makes his return to the Bristol Rovers starting lineup against Port Vale after over a month out injured, replacing Sam Finley who isn’t in the matchday squad at all.

The only other change to Barton’s Rovers team that conceded another late goal in Bolton is Lewis Gordon, who replaces Trevor Clarke.

The former Brentford man missed out last time out, however he returns with the Republic of Ireland born defender Clarke not featuring in the side at all.

It looks to be a familiar shape for the Gas, lining up in the 3-5-2 that has brought them success as of late, with top scorer Aaron Collins spearheading the attack, alongside Middlesbrough loanee Josh Coburn.

Lewis Gordon goes back into the fold on the left-hand side, opposite to Scott Sinclair looking to provide width for Joey Barton’s side.

James Gibbons features on the bench, and will know the opposition very well after starting his career with the Valiants, before making the switch to Bristol in the summer.

Bristol Rovers (3-5-2): James Belshaw, Lewis Gibson, James Connolly, Bobby Thomas, Scott Sinclair, Jordan Rossiter, Paul Coutts, Lewis Gordon, Anthony Evans, Aaron Collins, Josh Coburn.

Bench: Anssi Jaakkola, James Gibbons, Alfie Kilgour, Glenn Whelan, Luke McCormick, John Marquis, Harvey Saunders.

Vale manager Darrell Clarke will know the Memorial Stadium very well, having spent four years in charge here and former Bristol Rovers man Ellis Harrison starts against his old side, joining Port Vale and linking up with his old manager in the summer after leaving Fleetwood.

Port Vale: Jack Stephens, Dan Jones, Connor Hall, Nathan Smith, David Worrall, Ben Garrity, James Wilson, Tom Conlon, Mal Benning, Ellis Harrison, Dennis Polotic.