Plymouth vs Southampton predictions for Saturday’s Championship clash at Home Park. Can newly-promoted Plymouth secure another success and get the momentum going after the positive start of the season? Read on for all our free Championship predictions and betting tips.
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Match Live Saturday, 19th August at 12:30 pm In:
Plymouth Argyle vs Southampton Predictions
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Unbeaten Streaks Collide at Home Park
Key Stats
– Goals have been a theme for Southampton with both teams netting in all their competitive matches this season.
– Plymouth boast an enviable home record with 20 victories from 23 games last season.
Home Park is set to be a cauldron of footballing excitement this weekend as Plymouth Argyle and Southampton both seek to prolong their early Championship unbeaten records. Two sides, with distinctly different trajectories last season, find themselves neck and neck in the early phases of the 2023/24 Championship race.
A Glimpse Back
Plymouth, fresh from their commendable feat of securing the League One championship, have impressed critics and fans alike. The Pilgrims’ adaptation to the demands of the second tier was a topic of hot debate, especially after some intriguing summer acquisitions. Yet, the scepticism has been met with a robust response on the pitch. Steven Schumacher, the man at the helm, has surely relished the four points secured against Huddersfield Town and Watford. Notably, their clean sheet at Vicarage Road has arguably sent a statement of intent.
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Southampton, on the other hand, find themselves in the Championship following a tough Premier League campaign. They’ve started this season with renewed vigour under newly-appointed head coach, Russell Martin. Despite being entangled in speculation about their star players, the Saints have managed to hold their ground, securing four points in their duels against Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich City. Their recent draw with the Canaries showcased their resilience, as they clawed back three times, epitomising their fighting spirit with a dramatic last-minute penalty.
Team News and Line-ups
Plymouth’s Kaine Kesler-Hayden might find himself back in the starting lineup, replacing Saxon Earley, post his foot injury recovery. Luke Cundle and Finn Azaz are potential midfield options, but Schumacher might stick with his winning formula from the Watford clash.
Southampton have injury concerns of their own. With Will Smallbone nursing an ankle injury, Shea Charles might get a nod in central midfield. Samuel Edozie’s participation remains in the balance, and Che Adams or Moussa Djenepo could be potential alternatives, considering the speculations around Nathan Tella.
Plymouth Argyle probable starting XI: Hazard; Edwards, Scarr, Gibson, Earley; Wright, Houghton, Randell; Whittaker, Hardie, Mumba Southampton probable starting XI: Bazunu; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Stephens, Manning; Alcaraz, Charles, S.Armstrong; Tella, Adams, A.Armstrong
Predictions
1. A Goal Galore: Both Teams to Score
Southampton’s goal-laden match against Norwich, which ended in a thrilling 4-4 draw, highlighted their attacking prowess but also their defensive vulnerabilities. This eight-goal thriller gives a sneak peek into what we can expect from them as the season progresses. Their offensive capabilities, combined with their tendency to leave gaps at the back, suggest that goals are on the cards.
On the other hand, Plymouth, though known for their strong defensive record, particularly at home, have shown that they’re no slouches in front of the goal either. Their spectacular 3-1 victory against Huddersfield underlined their attacking intent.
Given the recent form of both teams, it would be no surprise to see both nets bulging. Both teams have proven capable of finding the back of the net, and neither seems likely to settle for a goalless draw. Considering Southampton’s track record where both teams have scored in seven of their last eight competitive games, this prediction seems more than likely.
2. Stalemate at Home Park: 2-2 Draw
Home Park has been a fortress for Plymouth. With a spectacular record of 20 wins out of 23 games last season, their dominance at home is evident. This formidable record coupled with their recent success in the Championship suggests that Southampton are in for a challenge.
Southampton, while undoubtedly a team with Premier League experience and talent, have shown they can be pushed to their limits, as evidenced by their draw with Norwich. This game might very well be a back-and-forth affair, with both sides cancelling each other out.
Given the attacking strengths of both sides and their recent form, a 2-2 draw seems a plausible outcome. It will be a tough battle in the midfield, with both sides looking to dominate possession and create goal-scoring opportunities. However, Plymouth’s home advantage and Southampton’s Premier League experience might just balance the scales, leading to an equal share of the spoils.
3. Adam Armstrong: The Man to Watch
Adam Armstrong’s start to the season has been nothing short of spectacular. His last-minute penalty heroics against Norwich to secure a point and his overall goal tally so far is indicative of his form and confidence.
Plymouth will have their hands full trying to contain him. Armstrong’s pace, positioning, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat, and he will undoubtedly be Southampton’s go-to man in front of the goal.
Considering his current form and the defensive challenges Plymouth might present, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Armstrong’s name on the scoresheet once more. His record speaks for itself, and if Southampton is to get a goal or more, expect Armstrong to be at the heart of it.
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