Ryan's Big Pitch

ARGYLE face a Carlisle United side under new management in today’s Sky Bet League Two encounter at the notoriously big playing surface at Brunton Park.

Chris Beech took on the role of head coach of the Cumbrians at the end of November and has already organised his troops into a unit that will be tough to beat, as proven by their impressive 2-2 draw at Championship Cardiff in the FA Cup last weekend.

The challenge is set for Ryan Lowe’s Pilgrims but the Argyle boss is looking forward to competing on the expansive pitch at Brunton Park, especially after securing a terrific 3-1 victory at the tighter venue of Scunthorpe United last weekend.

“Chris Beech has gone in there and he’s well organised, a good coach and a good lad,” said Ryan. “We know it’s not going to be easy but we have to worry about ourselves.

“We know where their strengths and weaknesses are. I’m sure Chris will be the same in trying to nullify our strengths but it’s about what we do. If we go to Carlisle with the right attitude, the right frame of mind and play the way we play, I’m always confident.

“Scunthorpe was quite small and condensed but we know Carlisle is a big pitch. They’ve got some good players, who can stretch it, but so have we. We will try to use it [the pitch] to our advantage as well.”