Teams poised for Devon-derby

Who would have thought it?, Plymouth Argyle scrapping for their lives desperately trying to stay in touch with once inferior rivals.

Just three years ago Argyle were sitting pretty in English football’s second tier whilst City suffered in the obscurity of non-league football. Since then the Grecians have been guided out of the wilderness with back-to-back promotions thanks to the dynamic management of Paul Tisdale. In contrast Argyle have suffered from complex financial mismanagement that lead to a relegation and a points deduction.

The Greens come into this fixture desperately needing a victory to keep their hopes of avoiding another relegation alive. They have had somewhat of a resurgence of late, winning three of their last four games.

The Grecians are targeting their highest ever League finish which would mean finishing in the top seven. Tisdale’s side harboured play-off ambitions until last weekend’s 4-0 capitulation at Tranmere.

David Noble (Hamstring) and John O’Flynn (Toe) are doubts for City but Daniel Nardiello and Matt Taylor are both full fit again.

For Argyle, Rory Paterson returns from a one-match suspension. Midfielders Carl Fletcher and Simon Walton are expected to shake off knocks and take their place in the starting XI.

A highly charge atmosphere is expected from a sell-out crowd for this midday kick-off.