Bristol Rovers predicted team vs Reading as Gas striker options reach bare bones (2025)

To state the bleedin' obvious, Bristol Rovers, yet again, face a must-win game at home. This time, however, there really are no second chances.

It is still quite incredible to think that Rovers are in this position. Six weeks ago, it looked as though they were on course to seal survival with a comfortable number of games to spare and march on to a stress-free midtable finish. However, just one point from eight games means that they are more likely to play in League Two next season. In fact, optimism that they will survive relegation amongst supporters now seems extremely scarce.

Nothing about Monday's 1-0 defeat to Stevenage was pleasant. The performance was dire as the Gas, in a must-win game, produced one of their flattest home displays of the entire campaign, let alone during this poor run. After full-time, supporters booed, jeered and chanted as toxicity spilled out onto the pitch. If those on the grass were concerned by that, they dare not lose to Reading this lunchtime.

Luke Thomas noted that it was "last chance saloon" for him and his teammates after the game against Stevenage; that it certainly is. Failure to end an eight-game winless streak and Rovers will be all-but set for the drop. Even victory wouldn't guarantee the battle for survival going to the final day.

All Inigo Calderon's men can do is beat an in-form, play-off chasing Reading side at the Mem and hope that Burton Albion drop points in one of their two upcoming home matches. The Brewers host Cambridge United, who will be relegated if Rovers win, before also playing Wigan Athletic at the Pirelli Stadium on Tuesday evening as their game in hand.

It was a rare unchanged team for Calderon last time out, making the performance even more baffling as the same combination of players produced a determined display three days prior, drawing 1-1 at promotion chasing Wrexham.

The back-five formation does seem to be the way to go still, but another unchanged line up is extremely unlikely with Ruel Sotiriou a "big doubt" after being withdrawn on Monday with an ankle injury. Meanwhile, Isaac Hutchinson is certainly out due to concussion protocol.

The Pirates don't have enough players to make wholesale changes once again. Realistically, it will, and should, be a tweak or two here and there.

Here is how we think Rovers might line up this afternoon in the early kick-off...

Goalkeeper and defence

Starting off with the most straightforward pick - Jed Ward in goal. Myles Roberts won't play for the club having picked up an injury last month, leaving Matt Hall the only option in reserve. Safe to say, it's a relief that Ward hasn't picked up any sort of issue with the limited numbers.

Ahead of the 21-year-old, the back-five seems to be the way to go. Realistically, the only potential changes would be Clinton Mola coming in for Luke Thomas in the left-wing-back role or Sil Swinkels coming in somewhere.

The goal conceded on Monday gets even worse every time watching it back. These defenders must be crying out for a clean sheet; that would certainly ease the nerves.

Midfield

Again, it's tough to suggest that any changes will be made and provide the necessary evidence to support the point. Grant Ward seems to be reduced to a bench role for the remainder of the season after recent under par displays; the 30-year-old didn't even make it off the bench against Stevenage. Although they have played much better in a Bristol Rovers shirt, Romaine Sawyers and Matt Butcher seem to be the go-to pairing to see out the remainder of the campaign.

The only other question in terms of mixing things up is whether Inigo Calderon takes a gamble and brings Jamie Lindsay out from the cold. However, the 29-year-old hasn't played in nearly two months. His return to the matchday squad recently though suggests that he may still play again before the end of the season.

In attacking midfield, Kofi Shaw is another no-brainer with Isaac Hutchinson's absence. The 18-year-old has started nine matches in a row now and has been one of the few bright sparks of the past six weeks. He is yet to get himself that league goal and today would certainly be timely to end that feat.

Strikers

Now, the key question - who starts up top? It is one we have asked countless times this season and still haven't gotten used to asking.

It seems as though supporters are all in unanimous agreement that Gatlin O'Donkor doesn't look fully fit and may be having to play a number of minutes within which he simply cannot produce his best football. However, needs must and the 20-year-old is once again being called upon to lead the line and, likely, play the vast majority of the match.

With Ruel Sotiriou likely out though, who accompanies O'Donkor is the major debate. Naturally, Michael Reindorf came into the conversation once again in Inigo Calderon's pre-match press conference. The 19-year-old hasn't played for over two months and has rarely been included in a matchday squad within that time. For whatever reason, 17-year-old Ollie Dewsbury has been picked ahead of the Cardiff City loanee on a number of occasions now; surely starting the academy graduate would be one step too far?

The other option is starting Scott Sinclair up top. It has happened before and the captain is arguably the most suited to it out of his fellow wide men, although we must stress we are talking about square pegs in round holes here.

Although Reindorf might seem the obvious choice, based on how limited his involvement has been, it does seem as though Sinclair leading the line along with O'Donkor seems to be the most likely resolution. Naturally, that doesn't fill anyone with roaring optimism that Rovers will have a potent attacking threat but that is the reality of the current predicament.

Bristol Rovers XI (5-2-1-2): Jed Ward; Jack Hunt, Taylor Moore, James Wilson, Connor Taylor, Luke Thomas; Romaine Sawyers, Matt Butcher; Kofi Shaw; Scott Sinclair, Gatlin O'Donkor