The Sky Blues get back to League One action this weekend as they entertain Plymouth Argyle at the Ricoh Arena.
Opposition:
It has been a mixed start to the 2018/19 season for The Pilgrims, with one win, draw and a defeat in their opening three fixtures.
It was a dissapointing start on the opening day of the season for Derek Adams side after taking the lead against Walsall, the Saddlers came from behind to take all three points.
Next up was a home tie against Southend United, in which two penalties, one for either side, was the story of the game, with the points being shared.
However, it would be redemption for Plymouth in the Carabo Cup as they avenged a 5-0 defeat in the first round of the competition to Bristol City last season, by picking up a 1-0 win at Ashton Gate this time round.
Last Time We Met:
It has been almost four years since Plymouth Argyle made the trip to the Ricoh Arena, coming back in November 2014.
The Checkatrade Trophy was the competiton the two competed in that night and it was the Sky Blues who would come away with a 2-0 win, progressing to the next round.
It took until just past the hour mark for the opening goal and it came through striker Gary Madine.
Then, with five minutes left on the clock, substitute Frank Nouble made his mark on proceedings by putting the game to bed in the 85th minute.
Mark Robins:
“We have a home game now that of course we’re looking to win against good opposition. They are a very good team with some good individual players, I know that.
“I’ve worked with some of them before and they will present a tough challenge.
“The first game of the season we were bright for 70 minutes and tomorrow the challenge is to stay bright for 90 minutes and get some goals and create opportunities against a good side and how we go about that.
“We’ve looked at that this week and how we can cause them a problem as well as how we can stop them as they can cause a threat as well."
Derek Adams:
“They are a very good footballing side. I did enjoy watching them towards the end of last season.
“They have got a young player in (Tom) Bayliss on the right hand side of midfield who is very good.
“They have got a number of players that I know quite well. (Jack) Grimmer, the right-back, is from north of the border. (Anthony) Andreu has played there as well, and has been at Norwich.
“If I go through the team, they have got some very good players."
Form:
We take a look at how Argyle have fared leading up in the last six matches in all competitions.
Lost – Feyenoord 2-1 Plymouth Argyle
Lost - MVV Maastricht 1-0 Plymouth Argyle
Won - Callington Town 0-7 Plymouth Argyle
Lost – Walsall 2-1 Plymouth Argyle
Drew – Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Southend United
Won – Bristol City 0-1 Plymouth Argyle
Head to Head:
Sky Blues (W): 22
Draw: 11
Plymouth Argyle (W): 27
SkyBet Odds:
The Sky Blues head into the game as 23/20 favourites, with the hosts 5/2 underdogs and the draw available at 9/4.
In the first goalscorer market, Max Biamou and Amadou Bakayoko are available at 5/1, whilst Jordy Hiwula, Jonson Clarke-Harris and Jordan Ponticelli are 6/1.
The last time City came up against Plymouth, it was 2-0 to the Sky Blues and for a repeat scoreline, you can get odds of 8/1.
All odds are subject to change, for further odds on other markets click here.
Officials:
Darren Drysdale will be the man in the middle of the Sky Blues clash against The Pilgrims in the Sky Bet League One action at the Ricoh Arena.
Drysdale officiated in 46 games during the 2017/18 campaign giving a total of 143 yellow cards and six red cards.
It will be the first time that Drysdale has refereed a City game since the Sky Blues 4-1 away win against Notts County in the second leg of the Play-Off Semi-Final.
He will be assisted by Nik Barnard and Barry Cropp, while Marvyn Amphlett will act as fourth official.