Match Day Preview: Plymouth Argyle v Portsmouth

Matthew Vizard
Authored by Matthew Vizard
Posted: Saturday, October 12, 2013 - 11:27

Plymouth Argyle v Portsmouth

Sky Bet Football League Two, Saturday 12 October 2013 (kick-off 12.15pm)

A second successive Saturday lunchtime kick-off sees the Pilgrims play host to Pompey in a crucial south coast battle.

Following last weekend's deflating defeat at Exeter, Plymouth will be looking to start putting points back on the board. Without a win in five games in all competitions, Argyle need a boost to their hopes of avoiding another relegation battle this season.

There were encouraging signs in the Devon Expressway Derby - the 3-1 scoreline not reflecting what was a tight encounter and late Grecians goals that came somewhat against the run of play. Argyle can feel satisfied with their efforts against impressive League One Swindon in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy tie on Tuesday, when they remained in the game till the death.

Manager John Sheridan introduced his new loan signing from Brentford, Paul Hayes last Saturday and the striker is likely to make his Home Park debut against Portsmouth. Sheridan will hope the exeperienced 30-year-old will offer an added source of much-needed goals to the team.

After a decidely difficult start to the season, Portsmouth, seem to have found some form, beating Rochdale last weekend and Oxford United in midweek to progress to the quarter finals of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. The former Premier League side fell into serious financial problems in 2009 and a subsequent fight for survival saw them go into administration and drop into the Championship in 2010. Successive relegations in 2012 and 2013 have brought the club to League Two. Now owned by the fans via the Pompey Supporters Trust, the 2008 FA Cup winners are managed by the former Villa and Sheffield Wednesday striker Guy Whittingham.

Portmouth lie two points and two places above Argyle in 15th spot in the table. Victory would take Plymouth above their fellow maritime city rivals and begin to rekindle the optimism that was so apparent at the start of the season.

 

 

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