Match Preview | Argyle v Sheffield Wednesday
Tuesday night action at Home Park sees Sky Bet League One leaders Argyle take on third-placed Sheffield Wednesday.
Not only are the teams in the leading pack of the division, but they occupy the same positions in the current form table, too. Argyle have won six of their last seven league games, drawing the other, while Wednesday have won five of their last seven.
Away from home, The Owls have won four of their five games, keeping clean sheets in each. Most recently, they won 1-0 at Port Vale on Saturday. The only goals Wednesday have conceded on the road came in a 2-0 defeat at Peterborough, in August. Argyle have won all five home fixtures in the league so far, letting just one goal in in the process.
Wednesday are managed by Darren Moore. The former Torquay United, West Bromwich Albion and Derby County centre-back took the job in March 2021. He was unable to prevent Wednesday's relegation from the Championship then, in his first full season at Hillsborough, took The Owls to the play-off semi-finals.
A feature in Wednesday's midfield is Barry Bannan, who was nominated for Sky Bet League One Player of the Season in 2021/22. One of the other nominees was Michael Smith, who was Rotherham United player at the time, but has since joined Bannan at Hillsborough.
Wednesday have had 11 different league goalscorers this season, with Josh Windass and George Byers leading the way on three goals each.
Former Argyle players in the Wednesday squad include goalkeeper David Stockdale, who played 21 times in a loan spell at Home Park in 2010, and Tyreeq Bakinson, whose own loan spell with The Greens lasted 14 games in 2020.
Last season, the sides met four times. The first meeting was in the league, in September, when goals from Joe Edwards, Dan Scarr and Ryan Law gave Argyle a 3-0 win.
The teams were then drawn together in the Emirates FA Cup where, following a 0-0 draw in South Yorkshire, The Pilgrims won the replay, again winning 3-0. This time the goals came from Ryan Hardie and Jordan Garrick, who scored twice.
Wednesday won the final encounter between the teams, coming away 4-2 victors in league action in February in January. On that day, Adam Randell scored his first Argyle goal with a stunning free-kick, which put Argyle back in the game at 2-1 just after half-time, but it was not enough.
Schumacher Says
“I feel like I watch Sheffield Wednesday all of the time! We know a lot about each other. We played each other four times last season, and they were all good games, all tight. This year will be no different; two strong teams, going at it and playing football in the right way.
"They are a strong team, have loads of strengths and a nice balance about their team."
Team News
Macaulay Gillesphey has been ruled out for the game with a groin injury. Niall Ennis, who missed the Wycombe Wanderers game on Saturday with a dead leg, has trained and could come into contention. Long-term injuries to Mickel Miller and James Bolton continue to rule them out.
Tickets
A limited number of tickets remain available to purchase online at argyletickets.com. The Home Park Ticket Office will be open until kick-off for supporters wishing to purchase on the day of the fixture.
Turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off, from 5.45pm. Supporters are advised to enter through the turnstile identified on their match ticket. However, if neighbouring turnstiles have shorter queues, supporters are permitted to enter these to speed up access to the stadium.
Pre-Match
There will be a minute’s silence as a mark of respect to those who died at a football stadium riot in Indonesia.
Fans' Guide
Click here for a comprehensive guide to the game for supporters, both home and away.
Argyle TV
If you cannot make the game, then it is available to watch on Argyle TV worldwide for just £10. Commentary will be provided by Rob McNichol and Katie Middleton. Marc Edworthy will join Charlie Price for pre-match coverage, which will be available for free on YouTube from 6.45pm.
