In terms of curtain raisers, they don’t get any bigger than this.
Argyle have known for quite some time now that their season would open with a Home Park Devon Derby against Exeter City.
Despite that, it has not taken anything away from the anticipation and excitement that has been brewing, not only at Home Park, but across the entire city.
Tom Cleverley, his staff, and his players know what is expected of them in this game, and are all looking forward to what could be another special night under the lights at The Theatre of Greens.
“We’ve been anticipating this one for a long time,” Cleverley told Argyle TV. “It’s a great occasion; I’m expecting a full house.
“I think the night ones (games) always feel a little bit more special and intense; we need to create the energy as a group of players. It wont take much to light the touchpaper.
“I’m really looking forward it, we feel very prepared for it, finally it is here. It will certainly be a hairs on the back of your neck moment, that’s for sure.
“I’ll be honest; these (derby games) are more relief when you win them, than they are celebration, especially with it being my first one.
“All I can do is prepare the team to do what we can control to the best of our ability, I think that gives us a good chance of winning the game. If I can enjoy it in the process, then even better.”
The risk when it comes to derby games, is that the occasion and emotion can affect some side’s ability to play their usual game.
The Greens’ head coach is hoping that will not the case on Monday, and that his team do not lose focus on what they have been working hard on throughout pre-season.
He said: “There is definitely a different feel around the place, supporters, staff, and players than if it was anyone else in the Carabao Cup.
“What we mustn’t lose sight of, which is really important to me, is what gives us the best chance of winning any football match.
“A lot of those things apply for a derby game; that’s duels, that’s intensity, that’s energy, that’s pressing, that’s recovering.
“I was really pleased with the step-up we made against Bristol City; I think the biggest thing is that we trust our process and our identity and we believe in it.
“This is really important; every training session, every drill and every meeting has got a real stable direction of what we are and how we are going to be effective and successful, now it’s all about transferring it onto Monday night.
Finally, Cleverley provided an injury update. The captain could be back and others not too far away, all big positives. However, one of Argyle’s standout pre-season performers is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He said: “Jack MacKenzie is about three weeks away from training with the team, Caleb Watts two weeks.
“Michael [Baidoo] will undergo surgery tomorrow, which will be a 12-week rehab. Tegan [Finn] will train Sunday or Tuesday and Joe Edwards will be in the squad all being well in the next couple of days.
“I’m pleased with the physical condition of the squad, with the work that John [Lucas] and the guys have done.
“It’s a big part of our game, the intensity and energy we bring, especially on Monday night.”
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You can watch Tom Cleverley’s Exeter City preview on Argyle TV, in full, here.
