Locals will roll their eyes at the suggestion that a clash between Plymouth Argyle and Bristol Rovers is a west country derby.
There is 120 miles between the two maritime cities and the notorious M5 but plenty of Pirates’ fans will be making the journey to Home Park after the first meetings between the two sides in the second round of this season’s FA Cup ended in controversial fashion, including a sending off and a missed penalty.
Plymouth Argyle Form and Team News
The Pilgrims are still outside the play-off places in League Two, despite Saturday’s 3-0 win over Morecambe who are managed by former Argyle boss Derek McAdam.
However, it would surprise no-one if the Devon side pushed on in the second half of the campaign in an attempt to make an immediate return to League 1. Ryan Lowe is slowly putting his stamp on everything at Home Park and Argyle’s current squad would be more than capable of holding their own at a higher level should they earn the opportunity.
Antoni Sarcevic, Conor Grant, Scott Wooton and Danny Mayor are already proven at a higher level and Dom Telford will be particularly keen to do well against his former club. Plymouth have already knocked League One Bolton Wanderers out of this season’s FA Cup and have won four of their last six in all competitions so confidence will be high.
The club is now effectively debt free after past problems and the brand new Mayflower Stand has brought Home Park into the 21st century. A crowd of more than 10,000 is expected for this tie with a home match against Coventry City at stake in round three.
FA Cup Betting at BetVictor
Bristol Rovers Form and Team News
Bristol Rovers are in superb form being unbeaten in their last 10.
But the club was rocked on Saturday night when manager Graham Coughlan announced that he was considering his position at the Memorial Ground amid rumours he had been approached to take over from John Dempster at League 2 Mansfield Town. The move would allow Coughlan, who lives in Sheffield, to move back up north but his departure would leave Gas, now up to fourth in League One and only two points outside the automatic promotion places, in the lurch and threatened to derail an unexpectedly successful season.
Rovers won 2-1 at high-flying Ipswich on Saturday, despite having Ollie Clarke sent off. They are spearheaded by one of the hottest scoring properties in League One in Johnson Clarke-Harris, though the eight-goal striker was absent at Portman Road at the weekend. Tyler Smith will again deputise if he remains on the sidelines in Devon.
Rovers are almost certainly exceeding expectations at present but it remains to be seen how the turmoil at the top will affect morale and if an FA Cup run is regarded as a priority ahead of maintaining their position among the promotion hopefuls.
Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol Rovers Head-to-Heads
Bristol Rovers have only won one of their last eight fixtures against Plymouth Argyle in all competitions, though five of those matches have ended in draws. The Gas haven’t won at Home Park in 19 years.
Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol Rovers Current Best Odds
Plymouth Argyle 11/8, Draw 12/5, Bristol Rovers 2/1 (Odds correct at 12.15pm December 16)
Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol Rovers Predictions
There may be 27 places between these two teams in the league ladder but Plymouth should not be regarded as underdogs, a fact underlined by the match odds.
Argyle should have won the original tie, despite being on the back foot for long spells in the second half. Expect the Pirates to make more of the running in front of their own fans.
Rovers’ players may not get much clarity regarding who is charge before kick-off and that is certain to hamper preparations but they should be professional enough to make their hosts work hard for victory. A draw in 90 minutes is a general 12/5. Plymouth are 10/1 with Boylesports to win after extra-time and 11/1 with same firm to win on penalties.
