Bristol Rovers are currently going well in the EFL League One, sat 12th in the table and two points off the Playoff places after nine games played.

Manager Graham Coughlan has a selection headache on his hands as to who should partner Jonson Clarke-Harris up top in his 3-5-2, with Tyler Smith and Tom Nichols the two main choices vying for that spot.

In this Six Point Opinion, we take a look at this particular selection headache...

How have both done so far this season?

Both players have appeared 10 times for the Gas so far this campaign, but Smith has the most goals with four compared to the three of Nichols.

Smith has had the edge in starting more over Nichols in the 3-5-2 that's used, but Nichols have proved to be a livewire from the bench.

What traits do the pair share, and how are they different?

In terms of physical similarities, the pair are both of the similar height and build, giving themselves an equal footing in terms of partnering the fairly physical Clarke-Harris up front.

Smith appears to have the better goalscoring touch alongside JCH, while Nichols has the creative spark and nimble touch to his play that can help create more for his team-mates.

What will Coughlan be thinking regarding both?

Coughlan has preferred Smith alongside JCH since switching to the 3-5-2 early on in the season, and has often used Nichols from the bench with 20 minutes left in the game.

Smith being a loanee is hard to ignore and the young striker looks keen to impress, while Nichols appears to have a new-found swagger to his game this season which has seen him start in Smith's absence.

Will both start together?

The only way that I can see both starting for Bristol Rovers is JCH's absence though injury or suspension and whether he stays beyond the January 2020 transfer window.

Both players are good enough to push for a starting berth, but it appears to be one or the other for Graham Coughlan and I can't see either starting together tactically.

Are both big assets to Bristol Rovers?

Despite most Rovers fans not having liked Nichols much in the past, he now seems out to stake a real claim for the shirt and has come to life lately under Coughlan.

Smith is becoming well-liked at the Gas and is more than capable of reaching double figures this campaign for Rovers, having already scored a crucial goal in the 1-1 draw with Gillingham.

Both will be required over the season at The Mem.

Finally, in your opinion, who should be starting?

After his fine start to the season, Smith will be the more likely choice to get in the team.

However, Nichols will fancy his chances at being the cup choice and has taken the limited starting chances he's been given so far during 2019/2020.