Elkan Baggott is anticipating a tough test for Bristol Rovers when Derby County visit the Memorial Ground.
The Gas welcome the Rams to the south west on Saturday in Sky Bet League One action, with Matt Taylor’s side looking to claim a third successive league victory.
Paul Warne’s side will be a tricky opponent to navigate though, with the visitors firmly in the race for automatic promotion this campaign.
Baggott knows the quality that Derby possess but also says Rovers are in a good moment too, on the back of wins away at Leyton Orient and at home to Carlisle United, and has full belief the Gas can claim a big three points.
“We know Derby will be a really tough game,” the defender said. “It’ll be an environment where most things we do need to be perfect in order to give us the best chance of getting a good result.
“They’ll be an athletic and aggressive opponent and we need to try and play our game. Our squad is in a good place right now and we’re going in confident, so I think it has the makings of a good game.”
Last weekend’s win pushed Rovers to show different facets to their game as the fixture progressed, from a courageous attacking intent to a dogged, determined defensive mentality come the closing moments.
Baggott feels the nature of that victory was a massive positive, mentally, for the side, against a quality League One opponent.
He continued: “The quality of every team in this league is clear. Every team poses a different threat and you have to adapt to each of them. I’d say every team has something they’re really good at, and you need to counteract it.
“The clean-sheet at Leyton Orient was massive, as was the win. It gave the squad a real boost of confidence and we hope we can go out on Saturday at the Mem and do it again.”
Since making his loan switch from Championship side Ipswich Town, Baggott has made seven appearances for Rovers, including five starts.
The 21-year-old is relishing his spot in the side and is eager to continue improving throughout the campaign.
“It’s been good so far,” he added. “It’s been a tough first few weeks but we’ve had some decent games and I’m feeling a lot more settled. It’s a work in progress.
“You learn a lot from every game. I work hard to analyse everything I do in each match. I watch it back and I think, from that, the more games you play the more you learn. I’m seven games in and I came here to play as many games as I could. I’m learning on the job.”