SkyBet League Two - Plymouth Argyle vs Rochdale - Match Preview

Following on from Argyle’s first victory of the season, a 3-1 away win at Cheltenham, John Sheridan and his players will welcome Rochdale to Home Park.   
The Pilgrims will be searching for their first back to back victories since season 2012-13 when Plymouth Argyle won three games consecutively in March 2013, the second time that season, the first victory came on March 16^th where Argyle defeated Fleetwood 2-1 at Home Park, the next three points on the board came 3 days after the first when Plymouth Argyle travel to Essex to play Southend United.  The Green Army had witnessed a 2-0 victory after goals from Paul Wotton and Reuben Reid.  The third victory came on the Saturday, March 30^th, where Exeter City visited the theatre of greens.  Argyle won 1-0, with the only goal coming from former player Jason Banton just before the first half interval.

The fans will definitely remember the last time Plymouth Argyle met Rochdale Athletic in League Two.  More than 2000 fans travelled to Lancashire to witness a day to remember after Argyle avoided relegation to the Conference Primer but currently called The Skrill Premier after results going the greens way after Rochdale won 1-0 after 90minutes.  The game at Home Park earlier on in that season, season 2012-13, Argyle were awarded two penalties in the 3-1 victory in Plymouth.  Formerly a Pilgrim Guy Madjo and current Pilgrim Andres Gurrieri had put Argyle 2-0 up in the first 7minutes from the penalty spot and a headed goal. Dele Adebola had scored for the Dale on the 76^th minute but it wasn’t enough as Guy Madjo converted his second penalty of the afternoon in added on time of full time.     

Last Two Encounters in Npower League Two 2012-13   

Plymouth Argyle 3-1 Rochdale 20^th October 2012 – Home Park  

Rochdale 1-0 Plymouth Argyle 27^th April 2013 – Deepdale  

Plymouth Argyle manager will welcome back defender Maxime Blanchard; the Frenchman has missed the season so far through a two game suspension and being on compassionate leave. Maxime had been suspended for two games at the start of the SkyBet League Two following the defender picking up two red cards last season the 2012-13 season.  The first red card he was given was in the away fixture to Exeter City in the 1-1 draw.  The second red card he picked up was in the final fixture of last season away to Rochdale in the 1-0 defeat.  The defender has now served his suspension and has recently returned from France after being on compassionate leave following a family bereavement.  John will also welcome back Jake Cole into the team, the London born was absent from the Victory at Whaddon Road last Saturday due to an ankle injury which he sustained in last Friday’s training session following a collision with Marvin Morgan.  The team is likely to be unchanged following the result against Cheltenham Town at The Abbey Business Stadium.  Rochdale manager and former Pilgrim Keith Hill will be without his captain Peter Cavanagh through suspension.  The midfielder was sent off in the match against Burton Albion. After failing to overturn the red card the midfielder will now serve his second of a three match ban and will miss the trip to Devon.                 

Available: - Jake Cole, Luke McCormick, Durrell Berry, Guy Branston, Maxime Blanchard, Curtis Nelson, Jamie Richards, Neal Trotman, Andre Blackman, Ben Purrington, Andres Gurrieri, Conor Hourihane, Romuald Boco, Dominic Blizzard, Luke Young, Ryan Lane, Lewis Alessandra, Reuben Reid, Marvin Morgan, Tyler Harvey, Isaac Vassell. 

Unavailable: - Paul Wotton (broken rib), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Nick Chadwick (knee injury)