The 152nd game between Argyle and Bristol Rovers has the potential to be one of the most important as far as the Pilgrims are concerned.
A win can send Argyle five points away from the chasing pack, with just two games remaining, but Rovers are unlikely to be in charitable mood, and proved tricky opponents when the sides met at the Memorial Stadium in August.
On that occasion, Argyle led 2-0 with first-half goals from Finn Azaz and Adam Randell, but after the break Rovers rallied, and levelled through goals by Josh Coburn and Aaron Collins.
The teams have also met twice in the Papa Johns Trophy this season, with a Home Park fixture in the group stage ending 1-1, followed by an Argyle win on penalties. Later, in a a knockout game, Argyle won 2-0 away from home to reach the semi-finals.
Forward Collins recently won Sky Bet League One Player of the Season, and with 16 goals is Rovers' leading goalscorer. The former Morecambe and Forest Green Rovers man has also provided 11 assists, and is clearly Rovers' danger man.
The Gas find themselves 15th in League One, with 52 points from their 42 games. Eight of their 14 wins this season have been on their travels, and they have also picked up creditable draws at the likes of Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield Wednesday.
Rovers are managed by Joey Barton. The former Manchester City, Newcastle and Marseille midfielder, who won one cap for England, has previously managed Fleetwood Town, and took over the top job at Rovers in February 2021. He was unable to halt Rovers' relegation that season, but steered them back to their tier at the first time of asking, last season.
Schumacher Says
“On their day they can beat anyone in the division. They’re really strong. They have the League One Player of the Season in Aaron Collins, who's got unbelievable numbers this year, so many goals and assists. He's been outstanding, but he's not the only one in their team performing well. Whatever system that they choose to play, we know that they're a threat all the time, and I know that they're going to be really motivated to beat us."
Tickets
This game is sold-out for home supporters.
Returned tickets can be made available, so keep checking ArgyleTickets.com.
Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off, from 5.45pm. Supporters are advised to enter through the turnstile identified on their match ticket. However, if neighbouring turnstiles have shorter queues, supporters are permitted to enter these to speed up access to the stadium.
Argyle TV
The game is available to stream for domestic and overseas supporters, with commentary from Charlie Price and Marc Edworthy.
From 6.45pm, David Wooldridge and Ian Stonebridge will bring you a pre-match show, streamed for free on YouTube, as we build up to the game.
Click here for more info on Argyle TV.
Her Game Too
The game is our dedicated Her Game Too fixture, in which we celebrate women's involvement in football and take a stand against sexist abuse. The campaign was started by Bristol Rovers fans, so this is a fitting fixture in which to acknowledge an excellent cause.
