Bristol Rovers return to action after a two-week break from League One endeavours this afternoon with a tough-looking test away to Huddersfield Town. However, there is also a quiet sense of confidence that the Gas could come away with some form of a result.
Both teams have recently endured four-game losing streaks but were able to put an end to their torrid runs before the international break with Rovers beating Charlton Athletic and Burton Albion back-to-back while Huddersfield recorded two wins over Barnsley in the league and then the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Of course, the Gas’ last match was technically the 4-0 hammering at Swindon Town in the aforementioned cup competition but that game saw nine changes made from the Burton win with a couple of academy youngsters on the bench too. The hope will be that it doesn’t affect the momentum that was built in the league with the back-to-back victories.
Bar the first half at the Pirelli Stadium, Rovers’ performances in the past two league games have been much-improved with the Gas finding more purpose in the final third, netting six goals. Furthermore, those six goals have been scored by six different individuals, a spread that they didn’t have as much of last season.
Matt Taylor named an unchanged side for the first time this season between the Charlton and Burton matches. The question is will he go for the same side again, especially considering the way in which substitutes helped turn the game against the Brewers around. Here’s how we think Rovers could line up in West Yorkshire…
Goalkeeper and defence
In between the sticks it’s of course a no-brainer with Josh Griffiths returning to action after being kept on the bench for the Swindon cup tie. The West Brom loanee really should have had a clean sheet against Charlton but at the same time didn’t cover himself in much glory for Burton’s goal two weeks ago. Admittedly, the 23-year-old did make some decent stops in that game and has no doubt saved a handful of points for his side.
Ahead of him you would expect Matt Taylor to stick with a back-three and the positions of James Wilson and Clinton Mola seem to be set in stone. The duo both scored in the period that saw two wins from two with Wilson particularly outstanding defensively in those two matches.
However, there is now a debate regarding who steps in at right centre-back with Taylor Moore now available again after his three-game suspension. Connor Taylor stepped in and had an excellent game against Charlton but was nowhere near his best against either Peterborough United or Wycombe Wanderers. The 22-year-old did keep his place against Burton and was solid in that contest with Moore coming on in the second half.
It’s a tough decision to make but based on the way in which he started the season, our guess is going to be that Moore returns to the starting line up for this one. There is also a possibility that both defenders start with Mola shifting out to left wing-back but that seems unlikely.
Midfield
This is where the could certainly be at least one change. Grant Ward’s impact off of the bench against Burton with a goal and two assists was outstanding and therefore the 29-year-old seems to be a shoe-in to return to the starting line up.
Alongside him, Jamie Lindsay has now had a couple of decent games in a Rovers shirt with his best moment undoubtedly that goal against Charlton. Admittedly, the 29-year-old did look slightly fatigued against the Brewers, hence why he came off early in the second half, but the former Rotherham United midfielder evidently boasts plenty of experience and leadership qualities making him a serious asset for this largely inexperienced group.
That would of course see Kamil Conteh drop out which would be harsh on the 21-year-old who has looked more like his usual self in recent matches but that emphasises the scale of the competition in the middle of the park currently.
In regards to wing-backs, Jack Hunt seems to have solidified his spot back in the side on the right after two outstanding displays against Charlton and Burton while Bryant Bilongo seems to be narrowly beating Lino Sousa to that spot on the left, although both started that woeful defeat to Swindon.
There will always be argument for Luke Thomas to be involved in some capacity but after failing to come off the bench against Charlton and then not make the bench for the Burton trip before a well under par display against Swindon, it seems as though he’s currently got a fair bit of competition.
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Attack
With a two men behind a sole striker working since Scott Sinclair’s return to the side, there’s certainly argument that that system will be used again.
Having mentioned Luke Thomas above, this would be more of a suitable role for the 25-year-old but, again, there’s competition ahead of him right now. First and foremost Sinclair should be keeping hold of his place in the side with three outstanding displays in League One, netting twice.
Meanwhile, Ruel Sotiriou has had some bright displays but after Rovers’ goal output in recent matches, it does appear as though the 24-year-old’s spot is at risk, as is the same for his fellow forwards.
Shaq Forde was another player who made a significant impact from the bench last time out in the league, scoring the equaliser against Burton and it seems as though the 20-year-old is starting to build up his fitness while also growing in confidence.
Matt Taylor admitted that the forward will feature heavily in upcoming matches and therefore that does suggest that a first league start could be on it’s way.
Meanwhile, in terms of leading the line Promise Omochere is a no-brainer. Although it’s now been a month-and-a-half since his last goal, the striker has still been contributing, most notably with two assists against Charlton. There will be less firepower to bring off of the bench though with Gatlin O’Donkor ruled out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring issue.
Bristol Rovers XI (3-4-2-1): Josh Griffiths; Taylor Moore, James Wilson, Clinton Mola; Jack Hunt, Jamie Lindsay, Grant Ward, Bryant Bilongo; Shaq Forde, Scott Sinclair; Promise Omochere