Bristol Rovers predicted team vs Cardiff: Connor Taylor expected to get first minutes in cup tie
After a dream start to the league campaign on Saturday, Bristol Rovers now turn their attention to a different competition as they face Championship side Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup first round in what will be the second time the two teams play each other in 11 days.
That dramatic 1-0 win over Northampton Town will have done wonders for the confidence of the Rovers squad, particularly after it looked as though the Gas would go yet another year without an opening day win with their streak of 12 years without one the worst record in the EFL.
However, it is looking likely that wholesale changes will be made and the 11 that start in the Welsh capital night will largely look different to the team that started against the Cobblers three days ago.
Matt Taylor has already admitted that he expects to make a number of alterations with the likes of Grant Ward and Promise Omochere still seemingly not quite fit enough to start two games within four days. Meanwhile, a number of players either came off the bench, were unused substitutes or were left out of the squad entirely who you would expect to be involved in some capacity tonight. It is worth noting that teams have more freedom with selecting their benches in this competition compared to in League One with up to nine substitutes allowed as opposed to seven. However, the maximum number that can be used is still five.
There are a few players you would expect to retain their places from the weekend but accurately predicting the rest of the side is a real tough ask. With that being said, here is how we think Taylor might set his team up this evening.
“I’ve not checked,” the Gas boss said on Saturday when asked about any fresh injury concerns. “Physically, Wardy and Promise probably had 10 minutes too long, Promise especially. The issue we have is can they back it up on Tuesday? I don’t think they can. So there’ll be a wholesale amount of changes on Tuesday and I’m sure Cardiff will do the same.
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