Match Day Thread Plymouth Argyle v Pompey

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Plymouth have the best home record in League One, while Pompey’s form on the road tops the charts.

But something might have to give when the two sides clash at Home Park in front of the Sky Sports cameras this evening (7.45pm kick-off).

Saturday’s results largely went in favour of the Blues, who remain seventh in the standings after 11 games.

Their next opponents are two places – and just as many points – further back, although do have a game in hand.

Ryan Lowe’s men approach the contest on the back of four successive victories in all competitions, including league wins over Doncaster and Swindon on their own patch.

In fact, the only visiting side to leave Devon triumphant this term was Norwich U21s in the EFL Trophy back in September.

Argyle have certainly enjoyed life back in the third tier following their promotion from League Two last term.

They ended up taking the final automatic spot once sides had voted to end the campaign and use the points per game method to determine final placings.

Pompey’s last visit to the Pilgrims came in February 2019, when Ben Close’s opener was cancelled out by Graham Carey in a 1-1 draw.

TEAM NEWS
Pompey have doubts over Tom Naylor and Sean Raggett, who have both been suffering with knocks that left them unable to train.

But there could be returns for Andy Cannon and Jack Whatmough, who are close to recovering from groin and hamstring problems respectively.

Michael Jacobs (knee) and Lee Brown (hamstring) are both definitely missing for the Blues, while Ronan Curtis is away on Republic of Ireland under-21 duty.

Plymouth will be without Luke Jephcott, who is currently with the Wales under-21 side, as well as Lewis Macleod (knee) and Gary Sawyer (ankle).

HEAD TO HEAD
Overall
Pompey: 28 wins
Plymouth: 24 wins
14 draws

At Home Park
Pompey: 10 wins
Plymouth: 14 wins
9 draws

OFFICIALS
Referee: Charles Breakspear
Assistants: Ravel Cheosiaua and Mark Derrien
Fourth Official: Alan Young

BETTING
Pompey are the 21/20 favourites with Sky Bet to secure the victory, while the hosts can be backed at 12/5.

 

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Referee blows his whistle, and the match is underway.

 

Attempt missed. Tom Naylor (Portsmouth) right footed shot from outside the box. 7 minutes.

 

1-0 to Argyle. Appears to be an own goal from Sean Raggett whilst attempting to block Nouble's goal attempt. 11 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Will Aimson (Plymouth Argyle) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. 17 minutes.

 

Shot from Nouble is well saved by Craig MacGillivray. 22 minutes.

 

Attempt missed. Frank Nouble (Plymouth Argyle) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the left. Assisted by Danny Mayor. 24 mins.

 

Yellow card for John Marquis for a foul on Mayor. Looked a little harsh. 34 minutes.

 

45 minutes up - 2 minutes added on.

 

Half-time, and it's 1-0 to Argyle. We have been poor so far, so delighted that still only one goal down, as Argyle haven't taken their many first half chances.

Hopefully, they will rue that fact by the end of the game !

 

Half-Time Match Stats:-

Home Team: Plymouth ........Away Team: Portsmouth

Possession:

Home 50%
Away 50%

Shots:

Home 6
Away 1

Shots on Target:

Home 1
Away 0

Corners:

Home 3
Away 0

Fouls:

Home 7
Away 7

 

Two second half changes for Pompey, with Jack Whatmough replacing Rasmus Nicolaisen, and Ellis Harrison on for Ben Close.

Second half kicks off.

 

Shot blocked on the edge of the area after a good hit from Ellis Harrison. However, it was encouraging to see a strike taken from there. A positive step. 50 minutes.

 

Two goal attempts from Argyle within a few seconds. Both Mayor and Cooper have shots superbly saved by Craig MacGillivray. 51 minutes.

 

Attempt blocked. Ryan Hardie (Plymouth Argyle) right footed shot from very close range is blocked. 51 minutes.

 

John Marquis attempted a free-kick but it was blocked. Fired away a half volley from the edge of the area on the follow up, a good low effort that almost found the target. 58 minutes.