The Bristol Rovers team to face Lincoln City with Aston Villa loanee tipped for first start: Predicted XI

Joey Barton has several issues to contend with when he names his Bristol Rovers team to face Lincoln City at Sincil Bank on Saturday.

The Gas are on a four-game losing streak across all competitions and are searching for inspiration to get them back on the winning trail. A trip to Lincolnshire, a team that inflicted a 6-3 defeat on them earlier in the season, is a tough place to go, especially when they are yet to lose at home this season, with two wins and 11 draws.

Rovers will have to go there without several players, which is down to a mixture of injuries and suspensions, which is not ideal when on a losing streak, and in need of a victory.

Sam Finley has been handed a three-match ban which he has accepted, after being charged by the FA for violent conduct, relating to an incident in the MK Dons match. The midfield maestro is unavailable for selection and will miss matches against Lincoln City, Ipswich Town, and Burton Albion. In addition, James Gibbons has been charged twice for two alleged acts of improper conduct, but is available for this match, but will wait for any possible punishment on Monday, which could rule him out for further matches. ]

Jordan Rossiter suffered a setback in his recovery from a knee injury, whilst Lewis Gibson has made a positive step towards returning but is unlikely to feature this weekend. Antony Evans and James Belshaw, are both in contention to be a part of the squad, after missing last week’s defeat to MK Dons, but a return to the starting XI seems unlikely.

This is how we think Rovers could line up against the Imps tomorrow, given the bad news from Friday morning.

In goals… Balcombe!

Ellery Balcombe looks set to play the third consecutive game of his loan spell as part of the agreement with Brentford. If he does not start and is not injured, then Rovers will be required to pay the Bees. He was unlucky against MK Dons last week as an early penalty set the tone, but he did make a good save from Mo Eisa, but could do nothing about the stoppage time strike from Max Dean.

He’s a goalkeeper that is comfortable with the ball at his feet and whilst he doesn’t rush out like Belshaw, he isn’t afraid to come out of his goal to get involved in to the game.

The four-man defence: Gibbons, Quansah, Connolly, Macdonald

Whilst he is available, it is probably right to call on James Gibbons, who is available for selection this match. He’s a steady option, and whilst he won’t bomb down the flanks, he could be an option for when Rovers want to counter-attack.

In defence, the centre-back partnership of James Connolly and Jarell Quansah should continue. Quansah conceded an early penalty last week but recovered well and was solid on the ball, making several good blocks.

Connolly endured a difficult time, and was caught in possession a few times but made a good block on the line to deny MK from going two in front. Time is needed for these two to settle in together and whilst Gibson isn’t available, it will likely continue.

At left-back, we saw Lewis Gordon make his first start since the defeat to Plymouth Argyle in the EFL Trophy. Gordon was targeted early last week, and MK had some joy down the left-hand side. Depending on his fitness, it could time to give Calum Macdonald his debut. He trained on the Memorial Stadium pitch last week but was not included in the squad.

A midfield pair…

Rossiter’s absence has been felt in the midfield as the partnership he has built up with Finley has been broken. Barton said that there’s not anyone that could do what Rossiter does and that’s been proven. It’s time however to give Aston Villa midfielder Lamare Bogarde his first start.

With Finley absence, it’s likely that he will be given a chance, and after a cameo last week, it’s something that can excite the supporters. He should be partnered with Grant Ward, who will protect the defence as two defensive midfielders, who can also get forward. Ward was energetic last week and one of the better performances in an otherwise disappointing display.

Attack

Working as a supporter to the striker, Aaron Collins should assume the ten role, which will give him the freedom to roam. Collins was on the wing last week, and that forced him to go deep and though he found Ryan Loft twice with two crosses in succession, he needs to get into shooting areas.

Scott Sinclair has been played as a left wing-back in recent weeks but up in attack is where he can perform. Sinclair is a nightmare for defenders at times with the way that he can run at them.

On the opposite flank should be Harry Anderson, who is a reliable player at League One level. Anderson’s versatility at times has cost him, and he’s been injured for spells, but this is an opportunity for him to grab.

Leading the line should be Josh Coburn who had a difficult afternoon against MK, receiving next to no service. He could hold the ball up well, but he wasn’t in shooting areas. Loft put in a decent 15-minute cameo and will be challenging Coburn for that starting spot, but Coburn at the moment has that better record in front of goal.

Bristol Rovers (4-2-3-1): Balcombe; Gibbons, Quansah, Connolly, Macdonald; Ward, Bogarde; Anderson, Collins, Sinclair; Coburn.