Bristol Rovers could have a new look team against Burton Albion tomorrow just a week into the League One season.
After losing 2-1 to Forest Green Rovers on the opening day of the season, Joey Barton has tried to freshen up the squad by attempting to move five players from out of the club.
First-team players Alex Rodman, Trevor Clarke and Zain Westbrooke have all been told they can find new clubs as Barton looks to move on players who won’t feature in his long-term plans.
Clarke and Westbrooke started last week’s match but in his post-match press conference, Barton admitted he surprised his past self by starting the pair.
Both players were withdrawn as the Gas sought an equalising goal and they got it through last season’s top scorer Aaron Collins, but conceded late on.
Now with both players not even in consideration for what is a depleted match-day squad, there could be a youthful feel to the side with a number of players making the jump up from the academy.
Seven youth players have been called up to the squad to make up the numbers with some potentially in line for their debuts.
Paul Coutts remains suspended whilst Josh Grant is still sidelined by an injury. Summer signing Jordan Rossiter is out and will be for a few weeks but there’s a potential return for Sam Finley.
Below is how we think Rovers will line up come 14:00 at the Pirelli Stadium. What do you think? Is this the team that is capable of winning?
First-team players Alex Rodman, Trevor Clarke and Zain Westbrooke have all been told they can find new clubs as Barton looks to move on players who won’t feature in his long-term plans.
5. LB: Harry Anderson
Perhaps it’s a return to defence for Anderson, who’s best role is a bit higher up but if Trevor Clarke isn’t in consideration then Anderson should be. Photo: Harry Trump/Getty Images
6. CM: Sam Finley
Bit of a risk throwing Finley back in after recovering from injury but he was a big miss from last week. Expected to do a lot of work to in the absence of Jordan Rossiter. Photo: Naomi Baker/Getty Images
7. CM: Jerry Lawrence
As part of his cull of the first-team, the benefit of dropping three players is the pathway for younger players, said Joey Barton. Is Jerry Lawrence set for his League One debut? Photo: Alex Davidson/Getty Images
8. RM: Harvey Saunders
By starting Harvey Saunders, you’re going all out from the off and relying on the youth players that will make up most of the bench. Saunders did well when he came on last week and could be one of the beneficiaries of the squad cull. Photo: Lewis Storey/Getty Images