Chris Errington gave the lowdown on Plymouth Argyle
- Expert’s view on Plymouth Argyle
- Details what he expects from the Sky Bet League 1 side
- Gain an understanding on Town’s Emirates FA Cup opponents
Plymouth Argyle reporter Chris Errington gave his thoughts on the Pilgrims ahead of Huddersfield Town’s Emirates FA Cup Third Round match!
After promotion last season, how please will Plymouth be with their season so far?
It has been a mixed season for Argyle so far. They made a good start off the back of their 2019/20 promotion campaign and were eighth in Sky Bet League 1 in early November. However, they went on a six-match losing run and that saw them slide down the table. They are currently 15th with 26 points from 21 games.
How well has Ryan Lowe done at Plymouth?
Ryan got Argyle promoted in his first season as manager in 2019/20 - they finished third in Sky Bet League 2 on a points-per-game basis - and played some exciting attacking football along the way, which was very popular with the fans. It has been tougher for him and his players this term, but Sky Bet League 1 was always going to be a learning process for them.
In terms of style, how have Plymouth been playing this season?
Ryan Lowe likes his side to play attacking football, out from the back and through the thirds to the top end of the pitch. They did that last season and again this term, although there have been times recently when they have gone a little more direct. Argyle nearly always line up in a 3-1-4-2 formation
They’re yet to win away from home in the league – three draws and nine six defeats – why do you think this is?
They had a chance to end that sequence in their last away game against Charlton on Boxing Day when they twice took the lead in the first half but ended up drawing 2-2. Argyle have conceded early goals in recent away games and that has left them with an uphill task. That has been an issue for them. The confidence of also getting a first away league win would also be a boost for them too.
Saying that, Argyle beat Charlton away in the FA Cup before Lincoln at home – two good results to progress in the competition…
Yes, two good results against very decent Sky Bet League 1 opposition. It is only the third time since Argyle were relegated from the Championship in 2010 that they have reached the FA Cup Third Round.
How strong do you think Plymouth’s starting XI will be in this game?
Ryan Lowe has selected his strongest possible side for the ties against Charlton and Lincoln, showing how much importance he is placing on the FA Cup this season. I would expect that to continue against Huddersfield Town.
Luke Jephcott (above) is the top scorer in League 1 this season, how good has he been and how have Plymouth got the best out of him?
He has been very good. He scored seven goals in two months at the end of last season after returning from a loan spell at Cornish part-timers Truro City and has added another 14 this term - with his 12 league goals coming from 17 games. Most of his goals have come from in and around the six-yard area as he finds space to get on the end of crosses or passes from his team-mates.
Where will the key battles be in this game?
Argyle will need to make a solid start against their Sky Bet Championship opponents and work their way into it. Huddersfield Town are likely to have a lot of the possession and it will be important for Argyle, collectively, to be resilient and strong defensively. They can then look to build from there.
