On Monday evening, at Home Park, an Argyle side will take part in their second game in the Premier League Under-21 Cup, taking on Cardiff City (7pm).
The competition is a new one for the Greens this season, the Pilgrims are in a group with the Bluebirds, Leicester City and Bournemouth.
In the first game, three weeks ago, Argyle lost 3-1 at Leicester, with the side representing the Pilgrims that day essentially an under-18s side. This time, there are expected to be a few additions to the line-up, with pros who are 21 or under eligible to play, as well as the ability to name three outfield players, and a goalkeeper, who are older.
Under-18s coach Jamie Lowry will be in charge in the dugout, and he spoke to Argyle TV about what he expected from Monday’s challenge.
“We're looking forward to it,” Lowry said. “It's something that we've introduced to the club to try to bridge that gap between the first team and the under-18s. It’s another opportunity for the young pros to get some minutes and the under-18s to test themselves against a really strong opposition.
“With the first team looking quite strong at the moment, injury-wise, there'll be opportunities for some of the younger lads to get some minutes and build up that sharpness.
“The [Under-18s] are fortunate enough that they've experienced a little bit in the FA Youth Cup, but this is probably the next level with a few more supporters, the music, the stadium announcer and things like that. It’s that next step closer to the first-team environment.
“[Cardiff are] a really good footballing side, really calm and like to dominate possession of the ball. We have to make sure we prep right, and our possession shape's really strong. When we do have possession of the ball, make sure that we're really productive.”
After the first team’s win at Doncaster on Saturday, Tom Cleverley suggested that a few of his squad, including Joe Edwards and Owen Oseni, may see action on Monday.
“We may have four or five playing for the under-21s on Monday evening, which will be good for them and prepare them to be even more involved,” he said.
“Joe Edwards being one of them. I'm a bit hesitant to use Joe at the minute with him only playing 15 minutes against Coventry, and these are really high intensity games. It’s nothing to do with Joe's sharpness, or sharpness of the mind, but more trying to prevent a different injury. [It would be good] to get some minutes under his belt, and then we see him as much more available into next weekend.
“It would be good for Joe in particular and we may see Freddie [Issaka], Tegan [Finn] and Caleb [Roberts] as well. I've got a decision to make whether Owen Oseni will play in the game or not after today.
The game kicks off at 7pm on Monday evening. Season-ticket holders can attend for nothing, but must apply to obtain their free ticket for the game.
General adult tickets are £5; over-65s and under-23s will pay £3; under-18s can get in for just £1. Tickets for this fixture can be purchased at any time by visiting argyletickets.com.
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You can watch Jamie Lowry's preview, in full, on Argyle TV here.
