Five changes as key players return - Bristol Rovers predicted XI v Stevenage

Bristol Rovers host Stevenage in League One tomorrow evening, as Joey Barton’s side will look to bounce back from their 4-1 hammering at Burton Albion last weekend.

Rovers were well beat at the Pirelli Stadium, despite Antony Evans putting Barton’s side 1-0 up, inside the opening 10 minutes.

Defeat saw the Gas fall to 17th in the League One table, after 12 matches played.

Rovers have previously won back-to-back league home games and Barton will feel a victory at the Mem will be vital in order to push his side up the league standings.

With various players regaining fitness from lengthy spells out injured, Barton will need to assess his squad ahead of Stevenage’s visit to the southwest.

Below is how we think Bristol Rovers will line up against Boro...

Formation: (4-3-3)

This system has suited Barton’s side so far this season and with victories at home to Wigan and Port Vale recently, it would be unlikely for any change.

1. GK: Matthew Cox

The Brentford loanee has played every league game so far this season and has become a mainstay in between the sticks.

2. RB: Luca Hoole

The 21-year old picked up a knock whilst on international duty and was only fit enough for the bench in the Burton Albion defeat. Hoole should be fit enough to start at fullback, as Jack Hunt fights off a current injury issue.

3. CB: Connor Taylor

The youngster has firmly cemented his position since he signed permantly in the summer from Stoke City.

4. CB: Tristan Crama

The Frenchman made his first apperance back after injury, when he came on in the second-half at Burton last weekend. Joshua Grant has done a great job deputising for the Brentford loanee, and will probably drop to the bench tomorrow evening.

5. LB: Harvey Vale

The youngster has made the position his own in recent weeks and with Barton a huge fan of the Chelsea loanee, we should expect Vale to feature once again.

6. CM: Grant Ward

With Ryan Woods suspended, Ward will likely feature in the pivot after making his comeback last week against Burton, following an injury.

7. CM: Sam Finley

The skipper got another 45 minutes in the tank last time out, as he has been regaining his fitness since a knock a few weeks ago. Finley will likely start in the midfield, with McCormack out injured for several weeks.

8. CM: Antony Evans

The 25-year old is one of the most talented players in the squad and after his goal last weekend, Barton will likely choose the in-form midfielder.

9. RW: Jevani Brown

With Luke Thomas a few weeks away from match fitness and Brown is back from suspension, he will probably play off the right wing and Scott Sinclair will drop to the bench.

10. ST: John Marquis

The 31-year old returned to the squad and came on as a subtitute in the Burton defeat. Marquis’ return will allow Chris Martin to have a rest, as the new signing has been soley leading the line in recent weeks.

11. LW: Aaron Collins

With another assist at the weekend, Collins is one of the first players on the teamsheet and is undroppable at the moment.