Plymouth Argyle play host to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon still searching for their first win of the new Championship season.
At a time when the Pilgrims sit in 21st position in the standings, Stoke are only in 17th spot after back-to-back defeats.
Match preview
© Imago
Steven Schumacher takes Stoke to face his former club Plymouth having endured a topsy-turvy start to the campaign with the Potters.
Two consecutive wins were followed by defeats to Watford and West Bromwich Albion that have left the club sitting down towards the bottom of the table.
However, with the pressure off to a certain extent on Tuesday night, Stoke sensationally put five goals past Middlesbrough without reply at the Riverside Stadium.
There were many standout performers in that contest, including from youngsters Lewis Koumas and Emre Tezgel who could have an increasing influence as the season progresses.
This will be Stoke's fourth lengthy away day of the month, having already travelled to Carlisle United, Watford and the North-East.
Meanwhile, Plymouth head into this contest having been able to take positives from all but one of their matches since their 4-0 loss at Sheffield Wednesday on the opening weekend.
Most notably, 1-1 draws were recorded against Hull City and Queens Park Rangers respectively, the latter all the most impressive having played over an hour with 10 men.
Although Wayne Rooney witnessed his team go down 2-0 at Watford in the EFL Cup second round, context is needed given that the Hornets boast a 100% record in all competitions during 2024-25.
Plymouth head into this contest having avoided defeat at Home Park in all competitions for five matches, dating back till April 1.
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Team News
![Wayne Rooney Manager of Plymouth Argyle thanks their fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle at Loftus Road Stadium, London, on 24 August 2024 [on August 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/wayne-rooney.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Wayne Rooney Manager of Plymouth Argyle thanks their fans after the Sky Bet Championship match between Queens Park Rangers and Plymouth Argyle at Loftus Road Stadium, London, on 24 August 2024 [on August 25, 2024]")
© Imago
Plymouth are hoping that Morgan Whittaker will still be at the club amid interest from Burnley.
Adam Forshaw is available again after serving a one-match ban and should come back into the centre of midfield, regardless of whether Rooney goes with a back three or four.
Ryan Hardie should get the nod down the middle of the attack despite Michael Obafemi getting 90 minutes under his belt at Watford.
Andrew Moran, Emre Tezgel and Ryan Mmaee are all pushing for opportunities after their stellar outings at Boro in midweek.
The former appears most likely to feature on the back of three assists in that game, Bae Jun-ho in line to only feature among the replacements.
Wouter Berger and Sol Sidibe are also in contention to start in midfield.
Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:
Hazard; Edwards, Gibson, Galloway, Mumba; Randell, Forshaw; Whittaker, Gyabi, Cissoko; Hardie
Stoke City possible starting lineup:
Johansson; Tchamadeu, Wilmot, Gibson, Bocat; Laurent, Thompson; Manhoef, Moran, Gooch; Koumas
We say: Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Stoke City
The Schumacher factor means that this should be a competitive game played in an electric atmosphere at Home Park. While it may benefit the hosts at times, we are backing the superior attacking quality of the visitors to ultimately shine through.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
