Portsmouth v Plymouth tips

Portsmouth vs Plymouth Argyle Betting Tips and Predictions

Portsmouth vs Plymouth Argyle betting tips and Football League predictions for tonight’s first League Two play-off first leg.

 

The first of the Football League Play-Offs kicks off tonight at 7.45pm. Fratton Park is the venue as 5th face 6th in League Two. We’ve got the best bets for the 1st leg.

 

Portsmouth v Plymouth Preview

 

Portsmouth

It was no surprise to see Portsmouth start the season as favourites for the League Two and Paul Cook’s men were at the right end for the majority of the campaign. They’ve been infinitely better than previous seasons and they are still in with a chance of promotion. They couldn’t quite keep up with the pace set by Northampton and the consistency of Oxford and Bristol Rovers. They have a talented squad and plenty of firepower, but just haven’t been consistent enough. Results such as a 3-1 defeat to relegated York, a 0-3 reverse at home to Newport and falling to a narrow defeat at Barnet are just unexplainable.

 

It must be frustrating for the Cook and his assistant Richardson to watch from the dugout, but Pompey simply didn’t win enough of the matches they were expected to. The South coast club tend to win two, lose one at home and it’s an issue they need to address ahead of this one. They were defeated by the Pilgrims here just a few weeks ago (1-2). They’ve scored in their last 10 matches and there are few problems in the striking department with Michael Smith and Connor Chaplin scoring recently and Kai Naismith having an end of season flurry with two goals in two.

 

Cook picked a weakened side against Northampton at the weekend as he protects players ahead of the two legged play-offs. Pompey have an extensive injury list (more on that later) and they don’t want to lose any key figures ahead of the crucial clash at Fratton Park. There were plenty of promising performances from the younger members of the Portsmouth squad with Jack Whatmough coming in for particular praise.

 

Plymouth

Plymouth also made changes for the match against Hartlepool and reaped the rewards of freshening up the side as they ran out 5-0 winners against Hartlepool. Derek Adams’ side dismantled their opponents and goals from the Louis Rooney and Tyler Harvey, both local lads gave the fans plenty of end of season cheer.

 

Like Portsmouth, Plymouth have had their inconsistencies this season with the 2-3 loss at Home Park to already relegated Dagenham immediately springing to mind. It was just their second win at home since the end of February and they appear to prefer to play on the road this season. A poor run at the start of March where Plymouth accumulated just a single point from a possible 12 put an end to any promotion possibilities leaving play-offs as a realistic ambition.

 

Similar to Pompey, Plymouth are decent in the final third with on-loan striker Jamille Matt impressing since arriving from Fleetwood and they’ve netted in each of their last nine games. Gregg Wylde and Graham Carey can be happy with their contributions this seasons with Derek Adam’s proving he has a good eye for a player.

 

They carry the momentum into the play-offs and will feel confident travelling to Fratton Park. Adam’s will make changes once again and has already stated that he will not start Rooney and Harvey. Whether that decision pays off remains to be seen. But, their contribution at the weekend should merit them a place on the bench.

 

Team News

  • As previously mentioned, Pompey have injury problems. Kieran Freeman is also suspended for the remainder of the campaign after his moment of madness on Jonjo O’Toole.
  • Kyle Bennett is back in training, but this match may come too soon. Kai Naismith has been deputising. Marc McNulty is also on the comeback trail, but likewise, he may not be risked in the first leg.
  • Ben Close and Connor Chaplin picked up knocks at the weekend and may join Matt Clarke, Ryan Fulton and Adam Webster on the injury list.

 

  • Jamille Matt and Graham Carey were both rested against Hartlepool but are likely to be parachuted back in for this one.
  • Tyler Harvey and Louis Rooney are likely to start on the bench. One of the other goalscorers Curtis Nelson was taken off 25 minutes from the end with this match in mind.

 

Portsmouth vs Plymouth Argyle Predictions

 

Plymouth go into this game with momentum and the fitter squad and the knowledge that they saw off Pompey less than a month ago at Fratton Park. They are worth siding with the Draw No Bet market. My first Portsmouth v Plymouth betting tip is for Plymouth Draw No Bet. It can be backed at 15/8 with Paddy Power.

Paddy Power new account offer: £30 free bet – CLAIM HERE.

 

Both of these sides have plenty going forward, but occasional lapses at the back are frequent. I think we will see goals. My second Portsmouth vs Plymouth prediction is for Both Teams to Score? Yes. It can be backed at 11/10 with 888Sport.

888Sport sign-up offer: TREBLE ODDS for your first bet – CLAIM HERE.

 

I like a striker in form and although he was rested at the weekend, I think Jamille Matt should find the back of the net here for any anytime goalscorer tip. My third Portsmouth vs Plymouth betting tip is for Jamille Matt to score anytime. He is 10/3 with Bet365.

Bet365 sign-up offer: £200 BONUS – CLAIM HERE.

 

Portsmouth v Plymouth Betting Tips

Plymouth Draw No Bet – 15/8 Paddy Power.

Both Teams to Score? Yes – 11/10 888Sport.

Jamille Matt – Anytime Goalscorer – 10/3 Bet365.

 

Open a bet365 account for tonight and get a £200 sign-up bonus to spend betting on tonight’s football tips. Just follow the steps below and you’ll get the bonus activated onto your account straight away.

 

How to get the bet365 £200 bonus:

1. Click this link to bet365 and register for free

2. Claim your £200 sign-up bonus

3. Start betting with bet365 – the biggest online bookies in the world

Bet365 signup bonus

Jack Critchley

Jack Critchley

Jack is the resident Football League predictions writer here at thatsagoal.com, his expertise of the lower leagues brings regular winning football tips.
Tags: , , ,