Bristol Rovers team news as Joey Barton drops key player in key clash with Accrington
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Joey Barton has made three changes to the Bristol Rovers side that lost 6-3 to Lincoln City last Saturday as they bid for a win against Accrington Stanley at the Memorial Stadium.
For the second home match in a week, Barton has changed things up in the hope of getting a first win in seven.
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Hide AdAlfie Kilgour earns a recall to the team after being an unused substitute last week, despite being the only recognised centre-back. He replaces Glenn Whelan in defence who drops down to the bench.
Rovers are without Luca Hoole, who is away on international duty with the Wales Under-21’s squad. Wales don’t play against Austria until next Tuesday, but the defender has been training near Cardiff this week.
Bobby Thomas returns to the side after serving a one-match suspension for his two yellow cards against Ipswich Town. He is likely to partner Kilgour like he did against Morecambe and at Portman Road.
In a surprise change, talisman Antony Evans has been dropped with captain Paul Coutts coming in to sure up the midfield, offering some solidity.
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Hide AdIt could be seen as a 3-5-2 with Gordon playing as a left-sided centre-back, Kilgour in the centre and Thomas playing on the right-hand side.
Trevor Clarke would play as the left-sided wing-back with Harry Anderson occupying the right-side.
In the centre of the park would be Coutts to protect the defence, allowing Sam Finley and Luke McCormick to cause Accrington problems in the centre of the park.
It leaves a front-two pairing of Aaron Collins and Ryan Loft, who both know where the goal is.
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Hide AdCollins is the League One top scorer with six goals this season and is also their most creative player with three assists. He got a brace against Lincoln last week and will want to continue his form.
Loft isn’t too far behind him and after returning to the starting eleven last week after a slight niggle, he scored his fourth goal in as many games.
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