Three changes, Liverpool defender decision in predicted Bristol Rovers XI v Sheffield Wednesday
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
Bristol Rovers welcome promotion-chasing Sheffield Wednesday to the Memorial Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Gas are going to be well involved in the race to the Championship and got a positive result against Derby County on the weekend. Antony Evans scored a 92nd-minute penalty to earn a well-deserved point against the Rams.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWednesday’s promotion bid took another hit as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Burton Albion. Darren Moores side are two off of leaders Plymouth and one off Ipswich but the two have games in hand.
Despite securing the 52 points that Joey Barton set out for them at the start of the season, Rovers aren’t going to take their foot off the Gas. Here is how we think Rovers could line up against the Owls at the Mem:
GK: James Belshaw
Ellery Balcombe and Anssi Jaakola are still doubts so Belshaw is all but certain to hold on to his position. Balcombe is closing in on a return but given Belshaw is in contract, it’ll be a surprise if he plays again this season.
RB: Luca Hoole
Another good showing from Hoole on Saturday, and he was a man full of confidence in his post-match press conference. He’ll enjoy the challenge of coming up against another top six team.
CB: Jarell Quansah
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdQuansah’s back after a three-game ban. It’s harsh to drop James Connolly, but Liverpool will have some expectations on minutes for Quansah.
CB: Lewis Gibson
In the player ratings, Gibson has to be getting sevens every day of the week. He’s so consistent and every day, there is a desire for him to sign a permanent deal.
LB: Lewis Gordon
The former Brentford defender has had a solid first year in senior football and did well against tricky wingers on Saturday. He should get the nod once more. If things need changing, Gibson could move in to left-back, and Connolly come in at centre-back.
CM: Lamare Bogarde
Another start for Bogarde who has been consistent since joining Rovers on deadline day. He’s a reliable player to call upon and will once again be given a place in the starting XI.
CM: Grant Ward
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWard’s experience in League One is going to be needed against Sheffield Wednesday who have the likes of Barry Bannan and Will Vaulks, so they will need to be kept quiet.
CM: Antony Evans
He may have only come on as a substitute but Evans’ showed his composure to score and maybe he should get the nod over Sam Finley, who could do perhaps with a rest. Evans has taken on defensive responsibilities this season and is more than capable of competing with the Owls.
RW: Scott Sinclair
Sinclair had several chances to score on Saturday but failed to take them. He was a handful but will need to be clinical if he gets similar chances.
ST: Josh Coburn
Coburn’s had to settle for a place on the bench a few times but a small run-in from now until the end of his loan spell could benefit him.
LW: Aaron Collins
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdCollins struggled leading the line against a physical Derby in the first-half on Saturday, but a move to the flanks brought him in to the game.
Bristol Rovers (4-3-3): James Belshaw; Luca Hoole, Jarell Quansah, Lewis Gibson, Lewis Gordon; Antony Evans, Grant Ward, Lamare Bogarde; Scott Sinclair, Josh Coburn, Aaron Collins.
Comment Guidelines
National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.