Predicted lineup for Bristol Rovers against. Barnsley: Gas want to cover the midfield void left by Kamil Conteh
At this time last week, we were still unsure if we would be writing this article because of the uncertainty surrounding whether or not international call-ups would cause Bristol Rovers’ match against Barnsley to be postponed. The show must go on, though, as two teams with seven points from their first four League One games of the season will have the opportunity to gain ground on opponents in the vicinity in the league table.
Although Rovers haven’t exactly been great, their start to the season has been impressive—especially given how young this club is. Though it is still extremely early, there have been several indications that this combination of athletes has the potential to become something truly exciting if nurtured in the right way.
The 2-0 triumph over Cambridge United last Saturday fulfilled many expectations, but one of the most encouraging things was witnessing Promise Omochere make an impact. Strikers are constantly under pressure to score goals, and the club-record transfer fee attached to the 23-year-old’s name doesn’t make it any easier. Therefore, he would benefit much from putting home a brace.
Granted, the Gas’s opening road schedule has been especially demanding, as six of their seven points have come from home. Rovers had periods in their 2-0 loss at Stockport County, although they started the stronger of the two teams in the first half hour. A goalless draw at Rotherham United is still considered a respectable result. But they were ahead of Barnsley, a team with serious promotion hopes, once more. Matt Taylor acknowledged in his pregame press conference that his squad had to find a method to balance getting results both at home and on their own field.
The Tykes, now led by Gas favourite Darrell Clarke, have improved after suffering an unexpected 2-1 home loss to newly promoted Mansfield Town on the first day of play. They have defeated Lincoln City and Crawley Town away from home and secured a 2-2 draw against Northampton Town at home. Later this month, Clarke’s team will also be looking forward to a thrilling trip to Old Trafford to play Manchester United in the Carabao Cup third round.
Nevertheless, Barnsley has now gone eight games (nine if you include a 3-1 loss to Bolton Wanderers in the play-offs) without a league home victory since defeating Derby County 2-1 in February. Naturally, they’ll be game, but Rovers have no excuse not to go up to
The main piece of squad news is that Kamil Conteh, who has played every minute of League One thus far for the Gas, will not be available due to his international service with Sierra Leone. Although he hasn’t played in a league team since coming off the bench on the first day, defender Michael Forbes is also on vacation with the Northern Ireland Under-21s.
There will also be doubts about whether Shaq Forde, who arrived on deadline day, will make his Rovers debut. Taylor seems eager to have him in his lineup, but in his game preview, he stated that the team who won last weekend should be the ones to keep their uniforms.
Although few changes are anticipated, Conteh’s obligations elsewhere ensure at least one change, which leaves Taylor to cover in what is perhaps the most vulnerable position of the pitch. This is our prediction for Rovers’ lineup at Oakwell this afternoon.
