Five changes as key players return for League One clash - Bristol Rovers predicted line-up v Reading

Bristol Rovers are back in League One action and travel to bottom of the league Reading tomorrow evening, after their emphatic 7-2 FA Cup first-round victory at home to Whitby Town.

The seventh-tier side were well beat at the Memorial Stadium, with goals from John Marquis, Luke Thomas, Jevani Brown, Antony Evans, Harvey Vale, Aaron Collins and a second-half own goal seeing the Gas through to the next round, where they will face either Crewe Alexandra or Derby County away.

Andy Mangan’s side go into the game with back-to-back victories and are unbeaten in three in all competitions. The 2800 travelling Gashead’s will feel confident that they can come away with the three points from the Select Car Leasing Stadium.

With players on their way back from suspension and injuries, Mangan will need to assess his squad ahead of their trip to Berkshire.

Below is how we think the Gas will line-up against the Royals...

Formation: (4-4-1-1)

This system is how Mangan has set his team up in his first two games in charge and it has worked extremely well for the caretaker boss winning both matches.

1. GK: Matthew Cox

The Brentford loanee has played every league game so far this season. With James Belshaw still out on loan at Forest Green Rovers, we fully expect to see Cox continue his run in between the sticks.

2. RB: James Gibbons

After an impressive display in the FA Cup where the defender made two assists, Mangan could stick with the 25-year old. Luca Hoole and Jack Hunt are both nearing returns from injuries, however this match may come around a bit too soon for the fullbacks.

3. CB: Connor Taylor

The youngster has firmly cemented his position since he signed permantly in the summer from Stoke City. The 22-year old was given a rest at the end of the Whitby game, in preparation for the trip to Reading.

4. CB: Tristan Crama

The Frenchman looks like he is back to full fitness since his injury and will most likely partner Taylor in the heart of the Rovers defence.

5. LB: Joshua Grant

The former Chelsea graduate is one of the most versatile players in the team. Grant had been playing centre half in Crama’s absence, but has been utilised at left back since his return. Mangan may opt for his physicallity at fullback in what will be a tough game tomorrow evening.

6. CM: Ryan Woods

The loanee is back from suspension and Mangan may opt for his experience and defensive capabilities for the trip to Berkshire. This would mean that Lamare Bogarde would drop to bench. Grant Ward is touch and go as he is in a race to get fit again from injury.

7. CM: Antony Evans

The 25-year old is one of the most talented players in the squad and the in-form midfielder is undroppable at the moment. Captain Sam Finley could also start this match but I have gone for Evans as he is the player playing better as of late.

8. RM: Luke Thomas

The winger is fit again after injury and really impressed in the FA Cup victory on the weekend. Mangan will be expected to start the former Barnsley player tomorrow night.

9. LM: Harvey Vale

A goal from the bench at the weekend, Mangan may well start the youngster on the left-handside. Jevani Brown will be unforunate not to start this match as he is also in-form, but I have opted for Vale.

10. CF: Aaron Collins

Probably the first player on the teamsheet at the minute and with another a goal at the weekend, Collins is undroppable at the moment.

11. ST: Chris Martin

A flip of a coin between Martin and John Marquis to lead the line, however I have opted for the former Queens Park Rangers player, as he has two-in-two in the league and will be hoping to kick on for the Gas.