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

Although the Tractor Boys sit top and play opponents who have suffered two defeats, Plymouth will move above them in the standings if they prevail at Home Park.

Match preview

While the arrival of Kieran McKenna only increased expectations at Portman Road, even the most optimistic of Ipswich supporter could have anticipated this level of impact from the former Manchester United backroom member.

A total of 21 points from nine games, achieved without suffering a defeat, sees the Tractor Boys occupy first place ahead of Portsmouth on goal difference.

McKenna will feel that the margin above Pompey should be wider with his side having let slip a two-goal advantage at Sheffield Wednesday in their most recent league game.

Nevertheless, there can be no complaints with their current standing in the third tier, and confidence should be high ahead of a lengthy trip to the South-West.

Ipswich extended their unbeaten streak in all competitions to nine matches on Tuesday evening as they posted a 2-0 triumph over Arsenal Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.

Plymouth maintained their own run without defeat with a 3-1 win at Swindon Town in the same competition, the visitors dominating before conceding a consolation goal in the final minutes.

Steven Schumacher, in his first senior role in the dugout, continues to impress, and he will see little reason why the Pilgrims cannot continue to challenge for automatic promotion.

In their most recent league outing, Plymouth scored twice in the final quarter to lead Portsmouth, only to concede a last-gasp equaliser to end their four-match winning streak.

However, there will be no negativity behind the scenes at Home Park with Plymouth in prime position to move to the League One summit just over a month since they lost 5-1 at Charlton Athletic.

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

L

W

W

W

W

D

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

W

W

W

W

D

W

Ipswich Town League One form:

W

W

D

W

W

D

Ipswich Town form (all competitions):

D

W

W

W

D

W

Team News

Plymouth will have to make do without Brendan Galloway after his dismissal for two yellow cards against Portsmouth.

Key man Finn Azaz is also absent due to international duty, with Danny Mayor in line to replace the Aston Villa loanee after his return in midweek.

Ipswich will have to make a change at right wing-back with Wes Burns away with Wales for their UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Janoi Donacien may move from the right-hand side of the back three to deputise for Burns, with Richard Keogh potentially being brought into the team for his first League One start of the season.

Greg Leigh is also away representing Jamaica, but he would have only been named among the replacements by McKenna.

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Lonwijk, Scarr, Gillesphey; Edwards, Houghton, Butcher, Mumba; Whittaker, Mayor; Hardie

Ipswich Town possible starting lineup:

Walton; Keogh, Woolfenden, Edmundson; Donacien, Evans, Morsy, Davis; John-Jules, Chaplin; Jackson

We say: Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Ipswich Town

Although Plymouth's winning streak came to an end last time out, holding Portsmouth at Fratton Park would have felt like a point gained. The same can be said for Ipswich at Sheffield Wednesday, despite their capitulation, and we are backing another draw to be played out here.

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