Joey Barton makes ten Bristol Rovers changes v Cambridge United as team confirmed

Joey Barton has made ten changes from his side that were victorious over Crystal Palace Under-21’s in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday.

Luca Hoole is the only player to keep his place from Bristol Rovers’ 2-0 win, in what was a much rotated team.

Barton also makes two changes from the Gas’ last league fixture, with James Gibbons making his first appearance in the starting line-up since the start of August, after fracturing his foot.

Gibbons replaces Luke McCormick, with Rovers moving into a back four which hasn’t been used since their loss at Ipswich in mid-September.

The only other change from the draw at St James’ Park is Josh Coburn who makes his league debut after a 45-minute cameo appearance against the Eagles.

The striker was signed on Deadline Day from Middlesbrough however he remained on Teesside completing his rehabilitation from a knee injury.

He replaces John Marquis who only makes the bench despite the 30-year-old scoring the opener at Exeter.

Trevor Clarke, Paul Coutts, Lewis Gibson, Anssi Jaakkola, Sylvester Jasper, Luke McCormick and Harvey Saunders all make the bench.

George Williams starts for the visitors, with the defender making 26 appearances in the Gas’ last season in league one after signing from MK Dons in January.

He was released at the end of the season, joining Cambridge United on a free transfer.

Bristol Rovers (4-3-1-2): James Belshaw, Luca Hoole, James Gibbons, Bobby Thomas, Lewis Gordon, Anthony Evans, Jordan Rossiter, Sam Finley, Aaron Collins, Ryan Loft, Josh Coburn.

Cambridge United: Dimitar Mitov, Jubril Okedina, Lloyd Jones, Grey Taylor, George Williams, Paul Digby, Adam May, Sam Smith, Harvey Knibbs, James Brophy, Joe Ironside.