Match Preview | Sheffield Wednesday v Argyle
Saturday's fixture for Argyle is the biggest away game since...well, the last one.
The previous time the Pilgrims were on their travels was at Ipswich Town, three weeks ago, when over 2,000 members of the Green Army mobilised to Suffolk to see Sky Bet League One leaders Argyle meet Ipswich Town, in third place, with Bali Mumba's late goal sealing a precious 1-1 draw.
This time, the stakes are even higher, and the Pilgrimage will be one of the biggest in the club's recent history. Some 3,700 tickets have been sold for the away end at Hillsborough, home of Sheffield Wednesday, the club who sit second in the league, three points behind Argyle and with a game in hand. A Wednesday win would take the South Yorkshire side to the summit.
Sheffield Wednesday are on a tremendous run, unbeaten in 21 games in all competitions. Their last defeat was on 4 October against, coincidentally enough, Argyle, at Home Park. On that day, in a dramatic, high-quality fixture, the Greens won 2-1, with Sam Cosgrove's late winner sealing three points after Ryan Hardie and Liam Palmer had exchanged early goals.
In 15 league games since that day, the Owls have won ten and drawn five, including winning the last five. In that 15-game run, Wednesday have conceded just six goals, scoring 25.
Argyle headed to Hillsborough twice last season, once in the Emirates FA Cup and the other in the league. The cup tie ended in a 0-0 draw, with Argyle winning the Home Park replay 3-0. In League One, later in the campaign, Wednesday got a measure of revenge, winning 4-2.
During the transfer window Wednesday, like Argyle, lost one of their key men through a parent club recalling a player. For Argyle it was Morgan Whittaker, for Wednesday Mark McGuinness, a central defender called back by Championship club Cardiff City. McGuinness won Wednesday's Player of the Month award for November and December, but is now back with the Bluebirds and has made two appearances since returning to South Wales.
Wednesday have brought in, also on loan, experienced defender Aden Flint. The 33-year-old spent five years with Bristol City, before moving to Middlesbrough and Cardiff, moving to Stoke City in the summer. He previously had a loan at Wednesday, when still with Cardiff, but only played a clutch of games before an injury cut the loan short.
Schumacher Says
“It will probably be a slightly different type of game than Ipswich. [Wednesday] have a slightly different style. They don't play out as much from the back as much as Ipswich do although they can still build. They're a little bit more direct because they've got two centre forwards up there who cause real problems.
Team News
Schumacher reports that Brendan Galloway and Mickel Miller have participated in training in the last two weeks, and could come into contention. Once again, the manager will have the task of leaving several senior players out of the match-day squad.
Tickets
This game is all-ticket for Argyle supporters, and tickets are no longer available. Click here for more information.
A Strip for the Trip
Argyle will be wearing their green home kit for this game.
Argyle TV
The game will be covered on Argyle TV, with commentary from Charlie Price and former Argyle defender Brian McGlinchey. Both will be on hand for a pre-match show which will be available for free on YouTube from 2pm.
Audio commentary of the game is available for £2.50 in the UK, and live video streaming is available for overseas supporters.
