Fitness and availability
Argyle head into Saturday’s match unbeaten in the league since the 25th November and maintain a near fully fit and healthy squad (with the possible exception of Aaron Taylor-Sinclair who has missed Christmas with a hamstring injury and long-term absentee Jamie Ness) which can only be a good thing as they say never change a winning outfit.
Visitors Bury go into Saturday’s match without picking up a point in the league since the same weekend in November. On top of that, they currently lie bottom of the league, adrift of 23rd by 5 points. Despite only being 4 days into January, Bury have already been busy in the transfer market, snapping up keeper, Connor Ripley, defender Peter Clarke and striker James Hanson all on loan as well as recalling Zeli Ismail early from his spell at Walsall. Bottom side Bury will no doubt be well equipped in spite of their awful form.
Predicted Line-Ups
Bury seem to be happy playing a relatively defensive formation with an outlet at the top of the field and being the visitors on Saturday, I can see them keeping the formation the same. They may however end up bringing in at least one of their new signings, with their recent form being so poor of late.
(4-5-1) Ripley; Edwards, Clarke, Aldred, Leigh; O’Shea, Dawson, Reilly, Tutte, Mayor; Hanson
Similarly Argyle seem set on a team and formation that has been working wonders over the Christmas break especially the two widemen of Carey and Lameiras.
(4-3-3) Matthews; Threlkeld, Edwards, Bradley, Sawyer; Diagarouga, Fox, Sarcevic; Carey, Taylor, Lameiras
Head-to-head
Argyle have played Bury 75 times and have ended up winning on only 27 occasions, to Bury’s 30.
Their first meeting was in 1915 in the FA Cup were Bury hosted a one all draw, a week later in the replay at Home Park, Bury won 2-1.
The most goals between these clubs was 9, in 1931 as Bury left Home Park 6-3 victors.
Writer’s View
Argyle certainly go into the match with more confidence compared to Bury. However Bury’s squad may feel rejuvenated with the addition of a few needed players. Despite this, I can’t see the bottom club interrupting Argyle’s run of form of late. I can see the Pilgrims managing to break down Bury’s leaky defence at Home Park and the visitors themselves are struggling for goals. 2-0 Argyle.