Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton has admitted he wants a taste of Wembley Stadium with the Gas and that means doing well in the cup competitions. Rovers have a tough ask on Wednesday night as they travel to Ipswich Town who are an outside bet for promotion in the Championship.
The two teams played in League One last year and the last time they played it was a goalless draw but a lot has changed with both teams making several additions for their respective goals this season.
Both sides first and foremost will have a focus on the league and there will be changes to be made given there's league action on the weekend, but it'll be interesting to see the two teams that the managers field and which side will come out on top.
Rovers are likely to still be without Luke McCormick and James Gibbons, whilst Ryan Loft was nowhere to be seen on Saturday in the 18-man match-day squad, and so an appearance in East Anglia tonight may be unlikely. It’s an advantage or a disadvantage however you view it but Ipswich played on Sunday which means Rovers had one more recovery day but Ipswich players may be closer to match fitness.
No new signings have been earmarked for this week, and so it’s looking like a settled squad for the time being for Rovers, so how will things look on Wednesday night?
Below is how we think Joey Barton and Andy Mangan might line up their side. Do you think differently? Flick through the pages to see our thought process behind it all.
1. GK: James Belshaw
Matt Cox is the first choice goalkeeper and now James Belshaw has to get that back. A good showing against Ipswich is a good place to start. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images)
2. RB: Tristan Crama
Crama’s more of a centre-back but can play right-back and so to give him his debut, Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images
3. CB: Connor Taylor
Came on as a substitute against Portsmouth. It’ll be good to get some continuity and so partnering him with Connolly would be wise. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
4. CB: James Connolly
A surprise starter on Saturday in all honesty but he’ll look to grab his chance. Photo: Pete Norton/Getty Images