Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City Prediction:

This South Western clash is bound to bring drama, with Wayne Rooney hoping that the new year will bring new fortune to Devon, as his Plymouth side currently sit rock bottom of the Championship. Bristol on the other hand are still in contention to reach the playoffs but good form will need to continue.

Key Stats:

• Plymouth are winless in nine games, their last win being against Portsmouth in early November.
• Bristol City have won their last two games without conceding, they’ve also beaten Plymouth once already this season.
• Plymouth have conceded a Championship high 51 goals this season, 10 more than anyone else.
• Bristol City are in 10th, 15 points currently separate the two sides.
• Bristol City are winless in their last four away from home.
• Plymouth failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 13 away matches.

Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City Previews, Form and Players to Watch:

Neither side has had spectacular winter periods, especially Plymouth, so both will be desperate for a win. This fixture is typically entertaining with five of their last seven featuring four or more goals.

Plymouth Argyle Preview:

Predicted Line Up (4-1-4-1): Daniel Grimshaw, Brendan Galloway, Kornel Szucs, Lewis Gibson, Matthew Sorinola, Adam Randell, Darko Gybai, Rami Al-Hajj, Morgan Whittaker, Bali Mumba, Andre Grey.

The task to keep Plymouth up for a second season already looked steep when Steven Schumacher left for Stoke earlier this year, but Rooney took it on. So far it has been nothing but a torrid time at Home Park though, losing to relegation rivals Cardiff 5-0, having the joint lowest goal tally in the league and picking up just two points away from home (scoring a mere three goals in 13 games). Argyle fans have grown unrestful and unhappy with their manager, meaning unless Rooney can turn things around it only looks a matter of time…

Whilst there have not been many positive outcomes in the last month or two at Plymouth, Tegan Finn, a Plymouth academy graduate made his first senior start for the club against Coventry and played in Argyle’s most recent fixture at Oxford. The youngster has been given a chance after many injury issues, meaning his eagerness might result in the midfielder making an impact. Veteran striker Grey has also been a relatively reliable source of goals since he joined the club as a free agent.

Bristol City Preview:

Predicted Line Up (3-4-2-1): Max O’Leary, Zak Vyner, Rob Dickie, Luke McNally, Cameron Pring, Ross McCrorie, Max Bird, Jason Knight, Scott Twine, Anis Mehmeti, Nahki Wells.

Bristol City are now well into their 10th consecutive season in the second tier, throughout all those seasons they have never reached the playoffs or faced relegation, placing from 8th to 19th. Unfortunately, it looks like this season could be a similar story with a very even record in their last 12 games (five wins, five losses and two draws) as well as producing average numbers for goals for and against.

Anis Mehmeti will certainly be one to watch after he scored a brace against Portsmouth last weekend, meaning he is now City’s top scorer in the Championship this season with six goals. Playing in an advanced position behind the centre-forward he faces competition from Scott Twine and and Yu Hirakawa. However the Albanian international will be full of confidence after his brace and looking to do further damage to a vulnerable Plymouth defence.

Head-to-Head Stats - Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City:

The two teams have faced off 65 times, however, only five of those have taken place in the last 14 years. Bristol City currently lead the tie with 29 wins, Plymouth have 23 and there have been 13 draws. Notably, Bristol City have won six of the last nine meetings, with Plymouth not beating the Robins in the Championship since 2010. The last five meetings are as follows:

• Bristol City 4-0 Plymouth Argyle, November 2024
• Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Bristol City, April 2024
• Bristol City 4-1 Plymouth Argyle, September 2023
• Bristol City 0-1 Plymouth Argyle, August 2018
• Bristol City 5-0 Plymouth Argyle, August 2017

Betting Tips for Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City:

With Plymouth Argyle struggling to score, defend or pick up any form at all, and Bristol City playing off the back of a couple of wins and playing good football. This game should be a comfortable victory for Bristol City.

For that reason, our betting experts say that Bristol City to win is the best value tip for this game. Odds of 4/5 would mean that a bet of £10 could see a return of up to £18.

(odds subject to change)

Final Prediction:

Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Bristol City