Saturday, 18 January 2014

SkyBet League Two - Rochdale vs Plymouth Argyle - Match Preview

Following an FA Cup exit to Port Vale in the Third Round on Tuesday, Plymouth Argyle return to League action, travelling to Lancashire to play Rochdale.    

Eight months previously Argyle were making the exact same trip in a totally different situation, was it relegation or league survival? More than 2500 fans made the trip to the Lancashire town.  All though the Pilgrims had lost 1-0 the trip was made worthwhile as the fans ran onto the pitch chanting ‘We Are Staying Up’.  No one could wipe the smiles of the faces of the members of the Green Army.

Rochdale are unbeaten in three games at Spotland, when Plymouth travel to town.  One very surprised victory at Spotland came in the Third Round of the FA Cup when they won 3-0 against Promotion contenders Leeds United in the Championship.  There last defeat at home was a 2-1 loss to Fleetwood on December 14th 2013.  Plymouth Argyle are unbeaten in five league games, there last disappointing result coming away at Chesterfield losing 2-0.     

The January transfer window has been very promising for Plymouth Argyle.  In the space of ten days John Sheridan has brought in two very promising players to strengthen the current playing squad.  The latest signing to join Plymouth is Matt Parsons.  The former Crystal Palace left back joins his former team-mate at Palace, Jason Banton, to sign for Argyle in a contract until the end of this current campaign.  Jason Banton and Tyler Harvey will both return to the match day squad after missing Tuesday FA Cup Third Round Replay at Home Park. Winger Jason Banton had already participated in the FA Cup this season with MK Dons, whilst Striker Tyler Harvey was on loan to Salisbury City when Plymouth first played Port Vale. Returning to the starting line-up will be goalkeeper Luke McCormick, the 31 year old sat out Tuesday’s game to ‘cup’ goalkeeper Jake Cole.  John Sheridan will be without Durrell Berry, the defender was substituted in Midweek at half time due to a groin injury.  Rochdale’s Matt Lund is hoping to take part in the fixture this afternoon.  The midfielder picked up a knock in the win against Hartlepool last weekend.  In the event that Lund hasn’t recovered then former Plymouth Argyle player George Donnelly is set to take his place.                

Available: Luke McCormick, Jake Cole, Maxime Blanchard, Curtis Nelson, Neal Trotman, Andre Blackman, Ben Purrington, Matt Parsons, Jamie Richards, Andres Gurrieri, Luke Young, Dominic Blizzard, Conor Hourihane, Nathan Thomas, Jason Banton, Rommy Boco, Rueben Reid, Lewis Alessandra, Isaac Vassell, Tyler Harvey


Unavailable: Ryan Lane (knee injury), Matt LeCointe (knee injury), Durrell Berry (groin injury)

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