Plymouth Argyle play host to a Yorkshire side for the third game in succession when Sheffield United travel to Home Park this Saturday.
The Pilgrims are unbeaten in their last three home games, capped by a win against Doncaster, however that mini-revival nearly came to an abrupt end last weekend when Paul Sturrock’s side were staring at a 4-1 hammering from Barnsley. Thankfully the rain God just loves Plymouth and once again soaked the city and Home Park, giving referee Gavin Ward no choice to but to call off the game after 58 minutes.
To the embarrassment of some supporters Sturrock gave an interview to the press from the hot-tub at his home, dressed in nothing more than a pair of shorts the eccentric Argyle boss gave his view on Saturday’s game against Sheffield United.
A defeat could leave Argyle bottom of the Championship once again, depending on the result of Peterborough’s home game against Swansea and place Sturrock in hot water of a different kind.
After a run of four consecutive defeats the Blades have steadied the ship with seven points from their last three games and are now just four points away from a play-off place.
United manager and former Argyle keeper and coach Kevin Blackwell has come under pressure from fans this season but now looks on course for a play-off place with a win against Argyle crucial to Blackwell’s promotion push.
Vital Quotes:
Plymouth Argyle Team News:
Argyle fans will be hoping that fit-again defenders David Gray and Kari Arnason are included in the team.
Gray has been troubled by a hip injury and has missed the last two games; however, the on-loan right-back has been training with the Manchester United reserve team this week and joined with the Argyle squad on Thursday for training.
Arnason missed last Saturday’s abandoned game against Barnsley because of a groin strain but has also returned to training.
Krisztian Timar and Darcy Blake deputised for Gray and Arnason and were given a torrid time by the Barnsley forwards so a return of the absent duo would give everyone a timely boost.
Craig Noone is also pushing for a first-team place after an excellent performance against the Tykes, the only bright spark on the day, although it is expected that the cautious Sturrock will stick with his three defence-minded midfielders until later in the game against the Blades before unleashing Noone.
Player to watch: Alan Judge
The livewire midfielder provides Argyle’s attacking threat from wide areas.
Sheffield United Team News:
Kevin Blackwell’s side are littered with loan players, indeed Sheffield United have eight loanees in their squad although only five can be named in a match-day squad.
Player to watch: Darius Henderson
The big striker has notched up 10 goals this season, including seven in his last four games.
Match Facts & Stats
Ref Watch:
Graham Horwood has shown 40 yellow cards and red-carded two players in 15 games this season.
Match Prediction:
With rain forecast once again the weather will play a big part in this game.
Expect long balls and arial bombardment as both teams try to keep the ball off the saturated pitch!
Next Fixtures:
Argyle will play Swansea City on Tuesday 8th December while Sheffield United are at home against Nottingham Forest.
