Playing Up

Following the visit of the Pools this weekend, all attention will turn to the Sky Bet League 2 play-offs, with the Dockyard Derby rivals set to square off over two legs for a place in the final. Derek fully understands the importance of the game to not just the football clubs, but the entire division, and is already well aware of what their opponents can bring to the table.

"They'll be very good games," said Adams. "Full houses at both fixtures and a good spectacle for the fans, for television and for the league as well.

"I think that over a number of weeks now, we've been playing a consistent side and we've only changed the team one or two times in personnel. Both sides know what each other play, mostly. Portsmouth don't change as much as we probably do formation-wise, so we'll have a good idea on both teams."

With the Greens hosting Hartlepool and Sky Bet League 2 champions Northampton Town visiting Pompey on Saturday, Argyle will soon know whether they will be heading to Fratton Park next Thursday or next Sunday. The outcome, though, matters little to the boss, who has faith in his side to deliver however things unfold.

"In the grand scheme of things, when you're in the play-offs it doesn't really matter. You would always want to finish in the highest position but because the play-off fixtures have already been made up, it's difficult, and that's just the nature of the competition. But you always want to finish as high as you possibly can, and we're no different.

"I think we take it as it comes and deal with the situation when it comes around. Both teams have done very well away from home this season so that's something we've got to look at."