A brief introduction
Argyle’s first few games in March have been a little less convincing in comparison to their previous form, however the unbeaten run continues and now stretches to 8 games with 7 wins from the eight. With a game in hand over Scunthorpe, and the Greens still to play the Irons, the play-offs are very much in the grasp of Adams’ men. This weekend’s game against Charlton is a real crunch match and a win for Argyle would only further prove their credentials, whilst vanishing Charlton’s.
Just hours ago, Lee Bowyer was appointed as caretaker manager for Charlton after Karl Robinson left yesterday. Charlton’s form since Christmas has been somewhat opposite to that of Plymouth Argyle, with just 4 wins in the league. The Addicks sit 5 points off Argyle, albeit with a game in hand. Bowyers says, “it’s down to me to finish the job he [Karl Robinson] started.”
Predicted line-ups
I can see Charlton lining up with a classic and solid formation against Argyle. Bowyer also stated that he was his own man and would not do things the way of his predecessor, in spite of having worked under him and his 4-2-3-1 system all season. Bowyer may want to make a statement whilst simultaneously not doing anything too risky. He is hamstrung by international call-ups to Konsa and Magennis as well as injuries to Dasilva, Kashi, Mavididi and Solly.
(4-4-2) Amos; Page, Bauer, Pearce, Sarr; Marshall, Aribo, Forster-Caskey, Fosu; Zyro, Ajose
Argyle will still be without Sonny Bradley due to illness but Vyner is showing himself as a fantastic alternative to Ryan Edwards at right-centre-back who is still out long-term following his testicular cancer treatment, and is joined on the long-term absentees list by McCormick, te Loeke and Sarcevic. One possible change may be Taylor-Sinclair in for Songo’o who has had an iffy couple of games.
(4-3-3) Matthews; Threlkeld, Vyner, Songo’o, Sawyer; Makasi, Fox, Ness; Carey, Taylor, Lameiras
Head-to-head
Argyle and Charlton have both won 26 games against each other.
The first time these two met in March 1922, Argyle were crowned 3-0 victors.
The previous 5 times these two clubs have met, the home team has ended up scoring two goals.
Writer’s comments
This will be a close one and one of the toughest games Argyle will have between now and May, Argyle’s form is immaculate at the moment and Charlton’s quite simply isn’t but in spite of our excellent attack, Argyle’s defence seems leaky at the moment. However, Charlton are without quite a few players and it’s a tough game to have as your first match in charge. It’ll be tight but I’ll say 1-2 to Argyle.