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

The hosts come into this one fresh from a victory over Wycombe Wanderers, while MK Dons enter the fray following a loss to Peterborough United.

Match preview

Plymouth have enjoyed an excellent 2022-23 so far and sit top of the League One standings by four points under Steven Schumacher, having competed in 24 matches.

The Pilgrims have lost just three games all season while are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions heading into the New Year.

Last time out, a strike from Dan Scarr gifted Plymouth a 1-0 victory over Wycombe in a match that could have gone either way on the day.

Unsurprisingly, Plymouth have enjoyed the best home record in League One by quite a distance this season, recording 33 points from 12 fixtures played at Home Park.

Should they add another three points to their impressive tally, Plymouth could end up seven points clear of the chasing pack depending on other results in the division.

On the flip side, MK Dons have underwhelmed their supporters this campaign and find themselves in a relegation scrap, which led to former manager Liam Manning being sacked earlier this month.

Mark Jackson has since taken the vacancy at Stadium MK and won 1-0 in his first outing as manager on Boxing Day against Forest Green Rovers.

Nevertheless, he could not guide his side to a result in their last outing against Peterborough, as goals from Joe Ward and Ricky-Jade Jones sealed a 2-0 defeat for the Dons at the Weston Homes Stadium.

Profligacy in front of goal has hampered MK Dons this season, as they have scored just 22 times in 23 matches in League One. Only Morecambe, Forest Green, Cambridge United, Lincoln City and Cheltenham Town have netted fewer times in the entire division.

Moving ahead to Sunday, MK Dons will need to drastically up their game to have any chance of claiming a result against the league leaders.

Plymouth Argyle League One form:

D

L

D

W

W

W

Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):

L

D

W

D

W

W

MK Dons League One form:

L

D

L

W

W

L

MK Dons form (all competitions):

L

L

W

L

W

L

Team News

Plymouth will have to contend without Finn Azaz for the visit of MK Dons due to the midfielder having a problem with his ankle that has caused him to miss several matches. Brendan Galloway is also missing due to an injury and will not participate on Sunday.

Bali Mumba is one booking away from a suspension for the hosts, while Matt Butcher could come in to replace Morgan Whittaker in midfield.

Ryan Hardie is likely to be partnered by Sam Cosgrove in attack as Plymouth seek to keep their title bid on the right track.

For the visitors, a few changes may be in store as they look to start 2023 positively. Will Grigg could be replaced by Mohamed Eisa in attack, with Louie Barry expected to fill the other striking role.

Daniel Harvie will continue at left wing-back owing to some encouraging recent displays, while Bradley Johnson may add some steel to the midfield if he is selected ahead of Josh McEachran.

Johnson, McEachran and Ethan Robson all risk suspension if booked during proceedings at Home Park.

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Lonwijk, Wilson, Scarr, Gillesphey; Houghton, Randell; Butcher, Mayor; Hardie, Cosgrove

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

Cumming; Tucker, O'Hora, Jules; Watson, Johnson, Devoy, Harvie; Holland; Eisa, Barry

We say: Plymouth Argyle 2-0 MK Dons

In a match with consequences at both ends of the table, we expect both sides to compete with vigour as they seek a crucial three points for different reasons.

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