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

Sitting second in the table on goal difference, the Pilgrims will make the long trip to Lancashire to face relegation-threatened Morecambe, who find themselves four points inside the drop zone.

Match preview

While Plymouth were crushed by Bolton at Wembley, Morecambe suffered a humiliating thrashing of their own last time out, losing 5-0 at Barnsley to heighten relegation fears at the Mazuma Stadium.

The Shrimps have now lost four of their last five matches and have failed to win any of their previous eight, recording three wins and five defeats since their last victory, which came against Port Vale back on February 21.

Worse still, Morecambe have managed to win just one of their last 13 games, failing to score in six of their eight losses during that period while conceding 28 goals along the way.

When you look at the bigger picture, Derek Adams's men have picked up a measly seven wins across 40 league outings this season, recording 13 draws and 20 defeats in the process, so it is no surprise that Morecambe are in real danger of relegation.

With second-placed Plymouth sitting 46 points clear of Morecambe at the opposite end of the League One table, the hosts head into Friday's clash as rank outsiders.

Despite their position in the League One standings, Plymouth were dealt a serious reality check as they fell to Bolton in the EFL Trophy final, with the Pilgrims registering a solitary shot on target at Wembley.

Steven Schumacher's men found themselves 2-0 down after just 10 minutes and failed to find a way back, while Bolton doubled their lead after the break to heap further misery on Plymouth and their fans.

Still, Argyle remain on course to secure promotion to the Championship as they sit two points inside the automatic promotion places with eight games remaining, having lost just six of their 38 league matches this season.

No team has picked up more victories than Plymouth's 24 this term, and Schumacher's side will move above first-placed Sheffield Wednesday if they win their game in hand over the Owls.

Although Argyle have struggled on the road of late - winning just three of their last 12 away league outings while losing three of their previous five - Friday's clash with struggling Morecambe provides Plymouth with the ideal opportunity to get back on track.

Morecambe League One form:

D

L

L

D

L

L

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

L

W

W

L

W

W

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

W

W

L

W

W

L

Team News

Morecambe look set to be without injured duo Jake Taylor and Max Melbourne for the foreseeable future, while Michael Mellon will miss the remainder of the campaign due to a shoulder problem.

Jacob Bedeau has returned from injury, however, so the centre-back will continue to line up alongside Farrend Rawson and Dynel Simeu in Morecambe's backline.

As for Plymouth Argyle, goalkeeper Michael Cooper will miss the rest of the season after rupturing his ACL, meaning that Callum Burton will continue to deputise between the sticks.

Ryan Hardie will lead the line for the Pilgrims, having scored 13 league goals this season, while Finn Azaz - who has bagged seven goals and nine assists - will support Hardie in attack.

Versatile wing-back Bali Mumba has chipped in with six goals and nine assists this term, with captain Joe Edwards playing a key role on the opposite flank.

Morecambe possible starting lineup:

Ripley; Simeu, Rawson, Bedeau; Love, Weir, Gibson, Souare; Crowley; Stockton, Niasse

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Burton; Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey; Edwards, Houghton, Matete, Mumba; Wright, Mayor; Hardie

We say: Morecambe 1-3 Plymouth Argyle

We can see Plymouth Argyle producing a big response after last weekend's Wembley humiliation, with the visitors expected to enhance their promotion prospects while piling more pressure on lowly Morecambe.

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