Plymouth Argyle vs Blackpool Predictions

Plymouth did stop the rot ever so slightly last weekend, though drawing away at Bristol Rovers won’t mean too much unless they can get their heads in front when they welcome Blackpool to Home Park on Saturday afternoon.

Plymouth weren’t completely outplayed last weekend, at least not to the degree that they have been at other times this season, though the only reason that they really came away with a point was because Bristol Rovers failed to capitalise on the chances that they created. On that occasion, Derek Adams’ men did offer something of a threat going forward, but they were once again poor at the back.

They’re by no means excellent in the final third, but poor defending is the main reason as to why Plymouth are struggling to pick up positive results this season. They’ve conceded a worrying total of 13 goals, though they’ve probably been lucky not to ship a few more. As things stand, the Pilgrims sit second from bottom in the expected goals against table, as they are conceding an average of 2.17 expected goals per League One match this season. If they’re to get out of trouble, then defensive improvements are a must.

Unlike Plymouth, who’re struggling, Blackpool have enjoyed a pleasing start to the new campaign. Not only did the Seasiders come back from two goals down to secure all three points last time out, but their only defeat came against high-flying Portsmouth on match-day two. Saturday’s visitors have since gone five games unbeaten.

Terry McPhillips, who was recently given the job of manager on a permanent basis, has seen his side play some nice football, especially in recent weeks, while he has also looked on as the Seasiders have given little away. Blackpool perhaps aren’t known as one of the best attacking sides in this division, though after last week’s fine forward display, McPhillips’ men now sit second in the expected goals for table. They also rank inside the top half for expected goals against, while the expected goal difference table has them sat in a respectable 9^th position, which is a far cry from the position Plymouth current occupy.

As far as finding a viable bet ahead of this match goes, the visitors look a tad big, even as favourites. The visitors have simply outperformed the hosts in every area this season, so much so that it’s easy to feel that Plymouth, who’ve been very poor at both ends of the pitch, should be a lot bigger in the betting. At the prices, backing the in-form visitors to continue moving in the right direction makes plenty of appeal.