It is a case of one in, one out for Argyle this week, ahead of a trip to Doncaster Rovers.
Neither is unexpected. We have long known that Brendan Galloway would depart for a few weeks to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations with Zimbabwe, but his absence will be offset by the return to action of Lorent Tolaj.
Argyle’s leading goalscorer, with 10 goals, Tolaj has missed the last three league games because of suspension, from a red card in Argyle’s loss to Northampton. To the Greens’ credit, they have dealt well in his absence, winning the last two of those three, both with a 1-0 scoreline.
Tom Cleverley’s side are looking for a third win in a row, as we head into a busy part of the season, but the Head Coach is keen to make sure that his team do not look too far ahead, and do not let the recent decent form go to their heads.
“It's another opportunity for us to continue the momentum,” Cleverley told Argyle TV. “We want to get some real rhythm and consistency in our performances because it's a good time to get that. We've got 13 games in the next six weeks.
“It's an important game - they all are - and it'd be nice to spend Christmas Day next week off the back of a win for sure.
“The key thing is that we don't become complacent; we have to work hard. Games don't just win themselves. I have seen a real good level of consistency in our shape, in our structure, in our intensity and, ultimately, in our performances.
“Our focus is just on three points at Doncaster, and what we need to do to get that. Application from the players is everything. I feel like I've really got that as a coach. There is a satisfaction you get out of setting a team up to keep clean sheets and, at the moment, we're doing that at the other end of the field.
“Losing Brendan Galloway has been a blow that we were preparing for, but to get Tolly back, a real important player for us, our top goal scorer, our talisman, and coming back at a busy period.
“Credit to Owen Oseni; he's done fantastic in the three games. He's put his name forward to keep his spot for sure. He's training well and also we've got Bim Pepple back fit now, so attacking options have tripled for this weekend, which is good.”
Doncaster won League Two last season, and started this season in style, winning five of their first seven games. However, they have just six points from their last 13 games.
Cleverley said: “They started great, which is usually the case from a promoted team that carries that forward into the new season. Now they've had a sticky run of results recently, but play really good football. They play out from the back.
“They usually play a [back] four but went to a three last weekend, so it'll be interesting to see what they go for. They play good football, they are really well coached and can hurt you. We've got some quality players in there, so we're expecting a tough test and we'll have to work as hard as we have been.
“They clearly have a style of play that they stick to and they've been successful at. We'll prepare towards that as well as being able to adapt to anything they throw our way.”
