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

At a time when Plymouth sit two points clear of third place with a game in hand, Bristol Rovers are down in 15th spot and have ambitions to end the season in the top half of the League One standings.

Match preview

Of the four clubs chasing automatic promotion, Plymouth are comfortably the smallest team out of the quartet, yet it is the Pilgrims who look most likely to get over the line.

While Ipswich Town have been relentless of late, it is Plymouth who hold a one-point lead over the Tractors Boys and another ahead of third-placed Sheffield Wednesday.

Steven Schumacher's side made it three wins in succession at the weekend as they posted a 3-1 victory over Cambridge United, kicking on after half time having been level at the break.

Having played a game more than Sheffield Wednesday, Plymouth will guarantee a top-two finish if they can collect five points from their remaining three games, all of which come against clubs in 15th or lower.

Although Plymouth recently suffered their second home defeat of the campaign, they have posted a remarkable 18 successes from their 21 outings at Home Park.

As far as Bristol Rovers are concerned, their first campaign back in League One is petering out to a certain degree with three matches having passed by without success.

A credible point was recorded at home to Derby County, but Rovers have since gone down to an out-of-form Sheffield Wednesday and a Port Vale side without a manager.

On a positive note, survival has been secured, which was their aim at the beginning of 2022-23, yet Joey Barton will want to ensure that his side can go as close to a top-table spot as possible.

The current gap to 12th-placed Fleetwood Town stands at five points, but Bristol Rovers have two matches in hand albeit against more of the best sides in the division.

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

W

W

L

W

W

W

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

L

W

L

W

W

W

Bristol Rovers League One form:

L

W

W

D

L

L

Team News

Despite the win over Cambridge at the weekend, Schumacher will consider making changes to his Plymouth side having freshened up his team last time out.

Finn Azaz and Niall Ennis can both expect to return in the final third, while James Wilson is an option to replace Nigel Lonwijk in the back three.

Having been left unimpressed with Bristol Rovers' performance at Port Vale, Barton is likely to make alterations to his starting lineup.

Luca Hoole and Jarell Quansah will hope for another opportunity at the back, while John Marquis is an option at the other end of the pitch.

Grant Ward may also potentially drop out of the team to accommodate the return of Antony Evans in the central midfield three.

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Burton; Lonwijk, Scarr, Gillesphey; Edwards, Houghton, Randell, Mumba; Wright, Mayor; Hardie

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Ward; Hoole, Quansah, Gibson, Gordon; Evans, Bogarde, Finley; Marquis, Coburn, Collins

We say: Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Bristol Rovers

While Plymouth have not necessarily been at their best of late, they have still managed to churn out a number of key victories. We feel that will remain the same on Tuesday, leading us to predict another win with a clean sheet being posted in the process.

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