Plymouth host Stoke City this weekend, with both sides going into the game off the back of a defeat. A win for the hosts will see them overtake the visitors in the Championship table.
Plymouth
Steven Schumacher’s attack-first approach is certainly admirable, but it is also slightly costing his side this season in the Championship. The Pilgrims score the joint sixth most goals per game on average, 1.61, but they also concede the joint seventh most, 1.56. Overall, this puts Plymouth in 20th after 18 matches.
Last time out, the Pilgrims suffered a 1-0 away defeat to Coventry. Plymouth registered 13 shots, but none of them troubled the keeper. Neither side controlled the tie end-to-end tie.
Stoke
The Potters have been very average so far this season, and that is reflected by their position in 17th. After winning three straight matches towards the end of October, Stoke have gone four games without a win. Alex Neil’s side score just one goal per game on average, whilst conceding 1.39. They’ve also failed to score in 50% of their matches.
This week, they suffered their latest blow in a 4-2 away defeat to struggling QPR. The hosts were essentially handed the victory by Stoke, with the visitors receiving a red card, conceding a penalty and scoring an own goal.
Verdict?
Both sides are struggling towards the bottom of the table and a win will be vital for both. This game could become cagey with neither side willingly taking risks in possession. Either side could win it, but a draw is likely.
The final prediction is Plymouth 1-1 Stoke.
