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

sportsmole.co.uk, 20 October 2022, 20:33

Bristol Rovers will look to claim a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions when they play host to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

While the hosts sit in 12th place, Plymouth are currently four points clear at the top of the League One table, and they will attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 14 competitive games.

Match preview

After experiencing a nine-game winless run, Bristol Rovers have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks, winning their last five games in all competitions.

The impressive run of form began with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace Under 21s in the Football League Trophy, before they claimed three consecutive league victories, which has moved them up to 12th place in the table.

In their most recent encounter, Joey Barton's side cruised to a 3-0 win over Swindon Town in the Football League Trophy thanks to goals from Ryan Loft, Harry Anderson and Luke McCormick.

As they turn their attention back to league matters on Saturday, Bristol Rovers may be concerned with the fact that they have won only two of their seven home games in League One this season.

However, after winning their last three home matches in all competitions, they may be confident of recording another victory at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Plymouth are currently bettering the form of their hosts after winning their last seven matches in all competitions.

Impressively, Steven Schumacher's side have not lost a game since August, with a 10-game unbeaten run in the league helping them move to the top of the table.

As a result of their imperious form, Plymouth are four points better off than Ipswich Town and five points clear of third-place Sheffield Wednesday ahead of Saturday's contest.

Plymouth have already faced Bristol Rovers in the Football League Trophy this season, drawing 1-1 with the Gas before beating them in the subsequent penalty shootout.

They may have been unable to win inside 90 minutes on that occasion, but after winning all seven of their home league games this season, they will believe they can claim maximum points on Saturday.

Bristol Rovers League One form:

Bristol Rovers form (all competitions):

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

Team News

Lewis Gibson was left out of the squad for the Football League Trophy win over Swindon, but the defender is expected to return to the starting lineup to partner Bobby Thomas in central defence.

Paul Coutts is set to feature in midfield after starting the previous two league games for Bristol Rovers, with Barton set to name the same side that started the 4-1 win over Cheltenham Town last weekend.

After scoring a brace last Saturday, Aaron Collins will look to add to his eight-goal tally for the season when he partners Ryan Loft up front against Plymouth.

As for the visitors, they made a number of changes for the midweek win over Crystal Palace Under 21s, but Schumacher is expected to revert to the lineup that started the 4-1 victory against MK Dons.

The back three of Matt Butcher, Nigel Lonwijk and James Wilson will be looking to help Plymouth record a third consecutive home clean sheet in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Niall Ennis will lead the line for the visitors, and he will be supported by Morgan Whittaker and Finn Azaz.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Belshaw; Gibbons, Thomas, Gibson, Gordon; Rossiter, Coutts, Finley; Evans; Loft Collins

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Butcher, Lonwijk, Wilson; Mumba, Houghton, Randell, Edwards; Whittaker, Azaz, Ennis

We say: Bristol Rovers 1-2 Plymouth Argyle

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Aaron Collins
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