MX23RW : Saturday, November 5 09:27:19| >> :120:43919:43919:
[monks data]
Oct 22, 2022 at 3pm UK at Memorial Stadium
Bristol Rovers
2 - 2
Plymouth
Coburn (47'), Collins (57')
Loft (37')
FT(HT: 0-2)
Azaz (14'), Randell (45+2')
Houghton (23'), Randell (31'), Galloway (69'), Lonwijk (90+1')

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

Sports Mole previews Saturday's League One clash between Bristol Rovers and Plymouth Argyle, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Bristol Rovers will look to claim a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions when they play host to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday.

While the hosts sit in 12th place, Plymouth are currently four points clear at the top of the League One table, and they will attempt to extend their unbeaten run to 14 competitive games.


Match preview

Bristol Rovers manager Joey Barton pictured in May 2021© Reuters

After experiencing a nine-game winless run, Bristol Rovers have enjoyed an upturn in fortunes in recent weeks, winning their last five games in all competitions.

The impressive run of form began with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace Under 21s in the EFL Trophy, before they claimed three consecutive league victories which has moved them up to 12th place in the table.

In their most recent encounter, Joey Barton's side cruised to a 3-0 win over Swindon Town in the EFL Trophy thanks to goals from Ryan Loft, Harry Anderson and Luke McCormick.

As they turn their attention back to league matters on Saturday, Bristol Rovers may be concerned with the fact that they have won only two of their seven home games in League One this season.

However, after winning their last three home matches in all competitions, they may be confident of recording another victory at the weekend.

Meanwhile, Plymouth are currently bettering the form of their hosts after winning their last seven matches in all competitions.

Impressively, Steven Schumacher's side have not lost a game since August, with a 10-game unbeaten run in the league helping them move to the top of the table.

As a result of their imperious form, Plymouth are four points better off than Ipswich Town and five points clear of third-placed Sheffield Wednesday ahead of Saturday's contest.

Plymouth have already faced Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy this season, drawing 1-1 with the Gas before beating them in the subsequent penalty shootout.

They may have been unable to win inside 90 minutes on that occasion, but after winning all seven of their home league games this season, they will believe that they can claim maximum points on Saturday.

Bristol Rovers League One form:


Bristol Rovers form (all competitions):


Plymouth Argyle League One form:


Plymouth Argyle form (all competitions):



Team News

Plymouth Argyle manager Steven Schumacher on February 5, 2022© Reuters

Lewis Gibson was left out of the squad for the EFL Trophy win over Swindon, but the defender is expected to return to the starting lineup to partner Bobby Thomas in central defence.

Paul Coutts is set to feature in midfield after starting the previous two league games for Bristol Rovers, with Barton set to name the same side that started the 4-1 win over Cheltenham Town last weekend.

After scoring a brace last Saturday, Aaron Collins will look to add to his eight-goal tally for the season when he partners Ryan Loft up front against Plymouth.

As for the visitors, they made a number of changes for the midweek win over Crystal Palace Under 21s, but Schumacher is expected to revert to the lineup that started the 4-1 victory against MK Dons.

The back three of Matt Butcher, Nigel Lonwijk and James Wilson will be looking to help Plymouth record a third consecutive home clean sheet in all competitions.

Meanwhile, Niall Ennis will lead the line for the visitors, and he will be supported by Morgan Whittaker and Finn Azaz.

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:
Belshaw; Gibbons, Thomas, Gibson, Gordon; Rossiter, Coutts, Finley; Evans; Loft Collins

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:
Cooper; Butcher, Lonwijk, Wilson; Mumba, Houghton, Randell, Edwards; Whittaker, Azaz, Ennis


SM words green background

We say: Bristol Rovers 1-2 Plymouth Argyle

With both teams in fine form, we expect Saturday's game to be a closely-fought contest, but we think that Plymouth will maintain their lead at the top of the league table by claiming a narrow victory.


For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.


Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data

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How you voted: Bristol Rovers vs Plymouth

Bristol Rovers
11.1%
Draw
5.6%
Plymouth Argyle
83.3%
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Plymouth ArgylePlymouth17132236191741
2Ipswich TownIpswich17114235181737
3Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds17104333161734
4Peterborough UnitedPeterborough17101632191331
5Portsmouth157622517827
6Bolton WanderersBolton168351914527
7Derby CountyDerby167452015525
8Barnsley167361914524
9Charlton AthleticCharlton175842723423
10Port Vale176562024-423
11Exeter CityExeter176472825322
12Wycombe WanderersWycombe176472323022
13Lincoln CityLincoln165741819-122
14Shrewsbury TownShrewsbury166461618-222
15Fleetwood TownFleetwood174941715221
16Bristol Rovers175572731-420
17Oxford UnitedOxford Utd165471919019
18Cambridge UnitedCambridge1761101829-1119
19Cheltenham TownCheltenham165381320-718
20Accrington StanleyAccrington174581829-1117
21MK Dons1642101522-714
22Morecambe172781327-1413
23Forest Green RoversForest Green1734101535-2013
24Burton Albion1733112035-1512

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