The upcoming EFL Cup clash between Plymouth Argyle and Cheltenham Town promises to be an intriguing contest.
Set to take place at Home Park on August 14, 2024, this first-round encounter will see Plymouth aiming to rebound from a disappointing start in the Championship, while Cheltenham looks to build on their recent success in League Two.
Plymouth Argyle’s Recent Form
Plymouth Argyle enters this fixture on the back of a heavy 4-0 defeat against Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.
Despite a strong preseason, Wayne Rooney's side struggled in their opening league game, raising concerns about their readiness for the season ahead.
However, Plymouth has shown resilience at Home Park, with two wins and a draw in their last three home outings, giving them hope of a positive result in this cup tie.
Cheltenham Town’s Recent Form
In contrast, Cheltenham Town comes into this match with momentum, having secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newport County in their League Two opener.
Under new manager Michael Flynn, the team is focused on an immediate return to the third tier after last season's relegation.
Although their priority may lie in the league, Cheltenham will aim to end their five-game losing streak against Plymouth in all competitions.
Team News
Plymouth Argyle
With this being the second game of three in six days, Wayne Rooney is expected to rotate his squad.
Defender Kornel Szucs, who arrived in the summer, is likely to make his debut.
Key players from last season, such as Julio Pleguezuelo, Joe Edwards, and Ryan Hardie, are also expected to start.
Cheltenham Town
Michael Flynn is likely to make some changes, but not as extensively as Rooney.
Joel Colwill, who scored twice in the last match, may be rested, with Ethon Archer expected to step in.
Tom Pett and Matty Taylor are likely to feature in the midfield and attack, respectively, while Arkell Jude-Boyd could start at right wing-back.
Prediction
This match is expected to be closely contested, with Plymouth looking to use their home advantage.
While Cheltenham could push them hard, we're predicting Plymouth to edge out a victory, potentially by a narrow 3-2 margin.
Plymouth 
Cheltenham 
