Plymouth Argyle v Bristol Rovers team news as Joey Barton makes five changes

Joey Barton has made five changes for Bristol Rovers against Plymouth Argyle following a 2-0 defeat to Port Vale on the weekend.

First-choice goalkeeper James Belshaw comes back in and replaces Jed Ward, who started just his second league match for the Gas. Barton tipped Ward for good things but with the Pilgrims chasing promotion, the 40-year-old wanted to name a strong a team as possible.

Luca Hoole is back in at right-back for James Gibbons whilst Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah replaces James Connolly at right-sided centre-back. In midfield, Antony Evans comes in for Scott Sinclair in the attack whilst John Marquis replaces Sam Finley.

Aaron Collins gets the captain’s armband in his 100th game for the club. He has been given the role because of Paul Coutts’ absence and Finley’s substitute status. He held the armband earlier this season, but was stripped of it in March.

Rovers are also able to name Ryan Loft on the bench after missing the trip to Vale Park. Loft had a scan last Saturday for a hamstring injury but is fit enough to be in the match-day 18. Harry Anderson is also named amongst the substitutes following five changes from Barton. Josh Grant is still pushing to be a part of the squad but misses out this evening.

As the formation and shape, it could be a 4-3-1-2. Hoole and Lewis Gordon are the full-backs with Quansah and Lewis Gibson as the centre-backs. It would be a midfield of Evans, Bogarde and Grant Ward, with Aaron Collins playing in the ten behind Coburn and Marquis.

Bristol Rovers (4-3-1-2): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Gibson, Lewis Gordon; Antony Evans, Lamare Bogarde, Grant Ward; Aaron Collins; John Marquis and Josh Coburn.