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

At a time when the visitors occupy sixth position in the standings, Plymouth are down in 15th place after seeing their recent undefeated league run came to an end at the weekend.

Match preview

With a home FA Cup fifth-round tie against non-league Maidstone United on the horizon, Coventry could be forgiven for thinking about a potential appearance at Wembley Stadium later in the season.

However, promotion to the Premier League remains their priority, and Mark Robins will generally be encouraged by how the Sky Blues are going about their business.

Although Coventry lost 2-1 at Norwich City at the beginning of the month, it remains their only league setback in 12 outings, a run extended by their comeback triumph over Millwall at the weekend.

Robins's side were trailing at the break before two goals from Haji Wright earned Coventry a 2-1 victory, keeping the club in the final playoff spot for the time being.

Just two points separate the teams sitting in sixth and 10th place, though, raising the stakes ahead of facing a team who have recently moved themselves away from trouble.

Plymouth fans may have been fearful over how their side may react to Steven Schumacher's switch to Stoke City, but Ian Foster has arrived at Home Park and eased any concerns.

A total of seven points have been acquired from four matches in the Championship, crucial victories being posted against Cardiff City and Swansea City respectively.

Nevertheless, they failed to convert a half-time lead against Sunderland at the weekend, eventually going down by a 3-1 scoreline at the Stadium of Light.

On a positive note, Plymouth remain with one of the best home records in the Championship, winning eight and losing just three of 14 fixtures at Home Park.

Plymouth Argyle Championship form:

L

D

D

W

W

L

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

D

W

D

W

L

L

Coventry City Championship form:

W

W

W

D

L

W

Coventry City form (all competitions):

W

D

D

L

W

W

Team News

Foster could freshen up his Plymouth side after tough fixtures against Leeds United - which included extra time - and Sunderland over the past week.

Lino Sousa may be handed a first Plymouth start at wing-back, while Matthew Sorinola could potentially be used on the opposite flank.

Tottenham Hotspur loanee Ashley Phillips has made six starts in relatively quick succession, potentially convincing Foster to hand him a rest and a start to Julio Pleguezuelo, but Michael Cooper, Jordan Houghton and Mustapha Bundu all miss out through injury.

Ellis Simms may be brought back into the Coventry side, possibly as a replacement for Kasey Palmer, but changes are likely to be few and far between.

Ben Sheaf and Jamie Allen remain absent through injury, while defender Liam Kitching continues to serve a suspension.

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Hazard; Pleguezuelo, Gibson, Galloway; Sousa, Gyabi, Forshaw, Sorinola; Whittaker, Hardie, Devine

Coventry City possible starting lineup:

Collins; Van Ewijk, Latibeaudiere, Binks, Dasilva; Torp, Eccles; Sakamoto, O'Hare, Simms; Wright

We say: Plymouth Argyle 2-2 Coventry City

With Plymouth having lost at the weekend, it remains to be seen how Foster's side will react against a team of similar quality to Sunderland. However, we are backing the Pilgrims to earn a share of the spoils in an entertaining game.

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