The Gas aim to build upon Tisdale’s first win as Argyle visit

Bristol Rovers welcome Plymouth Argyle to the Memorial Stadium on Saturday afternoon for a clash between two South West outfits.

The sides have endured inauspicious starts thus far, currently residing at the wrong half of the table. Argyle sit prettier at present, positioned 15th, four spots above their counterparts. However, victory for Rovers will bring them on level points with the visitors.

Rovers had been struggling mightily in front of goal, failing to find the net in three consecutive matches. That challenging spell was put to bed in dramatic fashion last weekend, as The Gas unleashed a newfound clinical edge, securing an impressive 4-2 victory on the road at AFC Wimbledon.

Sam Nicholson and Brandon Hanlan both notched braces in the win, the latter taking his tally to seven strikes for the season – leading the club in goal scoring at this point. Despite Rovers goal shy issues this campaign, the number nine, signed from Gillingham in September, has shone. Gas fans will be hoping his proficiency continues, driving the talisman to double figures and beyond, likely to be critical in his side’s ultimate standing.

Paul Tisdale was appointed manager by Rovers last month, the triumph over AFC Wimbledon his first at the helm of his new club. After a lengthy 12-year spell in the hot seat at Exeter City, Tisdale will be keen to get one over his former enemy, Argyle and The Grecians, bitter Devonshire rivals.

“Certainly an old adversary for me. I am looking forward to the game. The next game is always the most important game, so whichever way you spin it, it is the most important one, but it has that added spice for me of it being an old adversary” – Paul Tisdale

The visitors, promoted to this level only last season, find themselves in a torrid run of form, which has included four league defeats on the bounce. In two of those results, the backline was breached brutally, high-flying Fleetwood notching five, whilst Rochdale visited Home Park, bagging four goals without reply.

You sense that if Argyle are to come away with a positive outcome, a vastly improved defensive resolve is critical. Otherwise, it could be yet another bad day at the office for Ryan Lowe’s side, against a Rovers team, who appear to be on the right track as they attempt to arrest previous inefficiency at the top end of the pitch.

“The lads are in good spirits, although I’m disappointed with the result Saturday, in terms of the spirits, we got them lifted. We’re not doing a lot wrong, especially in Saturday’s game, and we’ve just got to keep working” – Ryan Lowe

Last time out, Plymouth suffered narrow defeat, as they hosted Ipswich Town. Luke Jephcott put the home side ahead in the 13th minute. Unfortunately, from an Argyle perspective, the game was turned on its head in the second period.

Winger Danny Mayor received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, momentarily prior to quick-fire strikes from Jon Nolan and Kayden Jackson. With Argyle reduced to ten men and the Tractor Boys in the ascendency, Town were rewarded for their ruthless capitalising on the red card, and saw out a 2-1 win.

Inventive midfielder, Conor Grant, has been in fine fettle this season, recording three goals, along with four assists. The former Everton and England U18’s ability to get on the ball and unlock a defence may be key to providing his side a cutting edge.

Team news

Heading into this one, Rovers have a few notable injury concerns. Finnish international goalkeeper, Anssi Jaakkola, was substituted at the break of Tuesday’s Papa John’s Trophy contest against Leyton Orient. However, Tisdale has claimed that the stopper is in contention for this weekend’s game. The same applies to Chelsea loanee, Luke McCormick, who has missed three consecutive fixtures after obtaining a knock during the FA Cup tie with Darlington.

Forward James Daly remains sidelined with an ankle complaint, the former Crystal Palace man has also been absent from the side since the aforementioned 6-0 triumph over Darlington.

The visitors boast the luxury of a practically fully fit squad, offering an abundance of options for Ryan Lowe. The major omission is captain, and former Rovers player, Gary Sawyer. He continues to recuperate from ankle surgery and is not expected to return until January.

In addition, Danny Mayor will miss out through suspension, following on from his pair of bookings in the 2-1 reverse against Ipswich Town last Saturday. Ben Reeves is likely to feature in his place, the creative midfielder, seamlessly deputising in the 2-0 FA Cup win against Lincoln City, along with the 4-0 league drubbing delivered by Rochdale.

Head-to-head

The last time these two met at The Memorial was in the previous campaign, for an FA Cup tie. On that occasion, a 1-1 draw was played out. Liam Sercombe fired the home side ahead, however, Antoni Sarcevic’s penalty forced a replay at Home Park.

Ultimately, The Gas prevailed, Alex Rodman’s towering header securing a 1-0 victory in Devon, and safe passage into the subsequent round.

Tomorrow afternoon’s fixture will be the 91st Football League meeting of the sides. Throughout the preceding encounters, Argyle hold a slight edge, tallying 36 victories to the 26 of Rovers; the remaining 28 games have resulted in stalemates.

Follow us on Twitter @ProstInt