Dilemma on how to accommodate Anderson & Evans - Bristol Rovers predicted XI vs Exeter City

Bristol Rovers will look to continue their three-game unbeaten run when Exeter City roll into town for another EFL League Two match.

The Gas are currently unbeaten at home since early December and have not conceded a home goal since against Rochdale in the middle of the month.

Matt Taylor’s Exeter though are a team in form but so far Joey Barton’s men have been able to navigate through tricky teams like Mansfield Town and Sutton United, who were both on a good run of form.

The Grecians will be one of the tougher tests given their quality which has them just a few points off an automatic promotion spot.

They will also be high on confidence given the manner of victory they had in the previous meeting between the two sides, a 4-1 victory.

Plenty has changed since then with a number of players through the door whilst there’s a feeling of optimism around the blue side of Bristol with a near sell out expected.

Goalkeeper

James Belshaw didn’t need to do much against Leyton Orient on Tuesday but he’ll be pleased that he’s got another clean sheet to his name.

He is easily the first choice goalkeeper for this season and the defence feel assured with him in between the sticks, having not conceded since his return.

Defence

This settled backline has recorded four consecutive clean sheets so changing it unless enforced wouldn’t be wise.

Luca Hoole, who continues to earn the plaudits will take his place up at right-back.

Connor Taylor and James Connolly will line up once more having forged a good partnership over a quick amount of time.

In his pre-match conference he said Nick Anderton had resumed training after being withdrawn from the team on Tuesday evening.

He didn’t even warm up because of his bout with illness and despite taking part, still didn’t look his normal self from his skin tone.

The situation may have improved on Friday but this will be one that Barton may have to make a decision on, Harry Anderson showed he was more than capable of playing there when instructed.

Midfield

In the centre of the park, providing some protection to the defence as well as getting the team forward should be the midfield pairing of captain Paul Coutts and influential midfielder Sam Finley.

Finley is one booking away from a two-match suspension but there are no special plans for him to be taken out of the side or dropped to avoid missing a number of games. Barton believes he is one of the best ‘footballing midfielders’ in the league, so his place is all but a guarantee.

Antony Evans was initially meant to be a substitute against Orient but was brought in on the flank whilst Anderson dropped to left-back. Evans made the desired impact by scoring the opening goal and as such has probably earned his place back in the team.

This allowed Elliot Anderson to remain as an attacking midfielder, playing in the ten role where he has excelled. Anderson was brought off with a slight knock having been unable to run it off.

He didn’t seem to be phased by it and so should be able for selection. If so, fitting the pair will be a tough task but perhaps persisting with Evans on the right-side of midfield will work.

Anderson can take his place where he has usually been whilst he can also be supported by Sam Nicholson, who has rediscovered his form.

Forward

Aaron Collins was once again on target, taking his figures for the Gas into double figures. It was a striker’s finish as he pounced on an effort on the rebound to score.

Barton has spoken of a desire to have someone play alongside Collins, which is why Ryan Loft was recruited.

Leon Clarke has also returned to fitness, but the pair have both been on the bench with Collins drifting out wide when they’ve come on.

For the time being, Collins should continue up top on his own until there needs to be a slight tweak to the side.

Bristol Rovers XI to face Exeter City (4-2-3-1): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, James Connolly, Connor Taylor, Harry Anderson; Paul Coutts, Sam Finley; Antony Evans, Elliot Anderson, Sam Nicholson, Aaron Collins.