Preview: Portsmouth vs. Plymouth Argyle - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors are currently fourth in the table and sit just two points off top, heading into the game on the back of consecutive victories.

Match preview

Portsmouth have had an inconsistent start to the 2021-22 campaign which has seen them crash out of the EFL Cup as they currently sit midtable in League One.

Pompey started the season brightly, with three victories and a draw in their first four games in the division, but since their fixture with Doncaster Rovers in August, they have lost every game.

Danny Cowley's men have suffered four straight defeats recently, which included a thrilling 5-3 against Wimbledon in the EFL Trophy, where a hat-trick from Ellis Harrison was not enough to gain his team a positive result.

There have been three defeats in a row in the league during that period, during which there has only been one goal scored, which was by Ronan Curtis in their most recent outing.

Portsmouth were beaten by Cambridge United on Saturday, which was actually the first time this season they have been unable to gain a positive result at Fratton Park.

However, they will have the chance to quickly put that right on Tuesday against Plymouth, who they actually drew against twice last season, with both games finishing 2-2.

The visiting team have had a great start to the season, which has seen them occupy one of the playoff spots at the moment, having only been beaten once so far in League One.

The Pilgrims have been confident in front of goal in the first seven matches, scoring 10 times already, but they come up against a strong defensive unit in Portsmouth, who have only conceded four times in the competition.

Plymouth have not been defeated in the league since their opening day loss to Rotherham United, which has helped to build confidence around the squad.

That has been on show during their previous two games where they have picked up six points and kept two clean sheets in the process, defeating Sheffield Wednesday and Wimbledon.

Portsmouth League One form:

Portsmouth form (all competitions):

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

Team News

After finding the back of the net against Cambridge, there will likely be a place for Curtis in the starting lineup for Portsmouth on Tuesday, while Harrison is expected to lead the line.

Miguel Azeez was handed his first start for the club on Saturday after joining on loan from Arsenal, and although the result did not go to plan and he was brought off, there is a chance the youngster will be given another opportunity to shine.

Clark Robertson missed out on the defeat due to injury, and he will likely be unavailable again on Tuesday, while Cowley is also set to be without Jayden Reid who has a knee problem, and Liam Vincent who has a shin injury.

Plymouth will likely continue using three central defenders as it has proven to be a success so far, meaning James Wilson, Dan Scarr and Brendan Galloway should all be set to start.

Ryan Lowe opted to bring Jordon Garrick into the starting XI against Wimbledon, and after an impressive performance, he could keep his place in the team.

Portsmouth possible starting lineup:

Bazunu; Romeo, Downing, Raggett, Brown; Tunnicliffe, Williams, Harness, Azeez, Curtis; Harrison

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Wilson, Scarr, Galloway; Grant, Broom, Houghton, Camara, Garrick; Jephcott, Hardie

We say: Portsmouth 1-2 Plymouth Argyle

Plymouth Argyle head into this fixture with a lot of momentum, which is something that Portsmouth are desperately lacking, and that alone could tip the balance in the favour of the Pilgrims.

While Pompey have been strong at the back in the early portion of the season, they have struggled to earn positive results as of late, and the visitors should have too much for them to deal with.