Bristol Rovers face Chesterfield in their final pre-season test before the 2023/24 League One season begins next Saturday (August 5).
The Gas face Portsmouth at Fratton Park in their opening fixture, and will be without Joey Barton who is suspended for their first three competitive games of the season. Barton's right-hand man Andy Mangan has taken on a prominent role in pre-season and has been seen giving instructions to the team whilst Barton has played more of a spectator role, assessing his teams performance.
Rovers have been busy in the transfer market over the last month, and this week they have signed three new players, including Matt Cox and Tristan Crama from Brentford, with both joining on a season-long loan, meanwhile Matt Hall has penned terms after leaving Southampton. Cox and Crama made their debuts in the 2-0 win against Swansea City in South Wales on Tuesday, with England Under-20 goalkeeper Cox making a string of good saves, and looked comfortable on the ball.
Whatever team is named against Chesterfield could give a hint as to how the team could look against Portsmouth. It's not to say more signings won't come in by then, and there could be some decisions to be made in training next week, but this is the last friendly until their first competitive fixture. At this point you'd expect that there won't be a raft of substitutions against the National League outfit, and instead it'll be about getting as many minutes into the legs of those who are in Barton's XI for next week.
1. GK: Matthew Cox
Cox should be given a 60-minute cameo against Chesterfield. He was brilliant against Swansea and this test could see him get the ball a lot more at his feet. Photo: David Rogers/Getty Images
2. RB: Luca Hoole
He’s played a fair few minutes in pre-season and luckily it looks like Hoole’s going to remain in his primary position of right-back. Photo: Michael Steele/Getty Images
3. CB: James Wilson
James Wilson’s going to be one of the first names on the team sheet given his experience. It’ll be interesting to see how he fares in a back four formation. Photo: Tom Dulat/Getty Images
4. CB: Tristan Crama
Signed from Brentford on loan this week. Crama did alright against Swansea, but this match should be where we see a bit more of him. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images