Bromley Vs Bristol Rovers: Evans Keeps Options Open After Barrow Win
Steve Evans says his players have been given time to rest and recover ahead of Bromley Vs Bristol Rovers, the Gas’ trip to the League Two leaders. The comment follows a 2-0 victory at Barrow that has lifted Rovers further clear of the relegation zone.
Evans: Players rested and selection choices to come
Evans highlighted that the squad returned from their long trip to Barrow in the early hours of Wednesday and that the club have allowed players time to be “fresh and ready” for the visit to the CopperJax Community Stadium. He described the Barrow performance as one the team can be pleased with and said he has been studying Bromley for two days to pick a side that can compete.
The manager praised Bromley’s season and singled out their coach’s work and recruitment, calling him “manager of the year for me, in the whole of the EFL. ” Evans was clear that Rovers must measure themselves against the best in the league while also reminding that the immediate priority is securing the club’s EFL status.
Predicted team shape and the rotation dilemma
Recent form has given Evans options but also a selection headache. Rovers have taken 10 points from their last four matches under Evans, including back-to-back wins that helped move the club away from the bottom of the table. That run will be tested against an unbeaten Bromley side who sit top of the division and have not lost at home in the league.
Match-by-match formations are under consideration, but there is a strong argument for sticking with the system that delivered a clean sheet at Barrow. The goalkeeper who kept that clean sheet is expected to start again, while the three centre-backs who performed well there are likely to retain their places. Alfie Kilgour was singled out for a strong display in the central defence and looks to have regained form in recent games.
Wing-backs Joel Senior and Jack Sparkes were noted for outstanding displays midweek and are likely to be key if Rovers employ the same 3-5-2 approach. Evans stressed the importance of wing-backs covering distance and maintaining intensity, and both players have shown they can supply those attributes.
In midfield, Richie Smallwood and Ryan De Havilland have formed a consistent partnership in recent weeks, combining defensive solidity and forward involvement. Kane Thompson-Sommers is available as an option, but it would be difficult to displace the current pairing based on recent performances.
Fitness updates and squad context ahead of the trip
After missing the last six matches, Shaq Forde and Riley Harbottle have travelled with the squad to South East London, though it remains unclear whether they will be included in the matchday team. Evans noted that some players were left behind earlier in the week for targeted fitness work to regain the levels required for the way he wants the team to play.
Evans emphasised that selection is never simple because changes affect players, but he will pick a side he believes can compete against Bromley. He also recalled that Rovers have won at Bromley earlier in the season in an Emirates FA Cup tie, so the team know they can get results there.
Looking ahead, the focus is on the immediate challenge of preserving EFL status and taking the fight to a team at the top of the table. Evans said there is work to do, whether he remains in charge long term or not, and that the club must deal with what is directly in front of them: a tough trip to face an in-form leader.
