Whelan starts: The predicted Bristol Rovers XI to face Scunthorpe on Saturday

Bristol Rovers could secure their promotion back to the third tier of English football at the first time of asking tomorrow as they take on relegated side Scunthorpe United.

Coming into this tie at the Memorial Ground as underdogs for automatic promotion with Northampton Town having a superior goal difference, Joey Barton’s men will just need to focus on themselves going into this match, something that could potentially work in their favour.

The Cobblers may be heading to another struggling side in Barrow at the weekend – but the latter have the home advantage going into this tie and Phil Brown’s side will be upbeat after managing to secure their safety.

This will give Rovers a lot of hope going into this game – but they will need to win all three points if they want to give themselves the best possible opportunity of avoiding the lottery of the play-offs.

Visitors Scunthorpe can play with freedom with their relegation confirmed, though they can’t seem to buy a win at the minute and won’t exactly be favourites to come out on top this weekend either.

Focusing more on the home side though during what could be a monumental day in their history, we have chosen the starting lineup Barton may go with ahead of this fixture.

Although they conceded three at Rochdale last weekend, James Belshaw wasn’t really at fault for any of the goals and as one of the first names on the teamsheet, he has to start once again.

There is one change in the backline with Nick Anderton coming in for Josh Grant who didn’t have his best game at the Crown Oil Arena and was substituted in the first half after sustaining an injury. Even if he is fit, Anderton has to be the man to come in to shake things up.

Hopefully, Connor Taylor is fit to start too