Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City Prediction: Life after Rooney begins

Wayne Rooney parted ways with Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday after a string of awful results. Another away defeat last time out to Oxford United means they have now lost their last five away games in a row and they’ve failed to win since November 5.

That run has left them bottom of the table and now they face a massive ask to stay in the division this term, and so they have made a change at the top. Plymouth’s first test in 2025 comes at home to Bristol City at 12:30, with this game live on Sky Sports+. Below you will find my Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City prediction.

Team News

Callum Wright remains suspended after his red card against Coventry on Boxing Day, while goalkeeper Conor Hazard, striker Ryan Hardie and winger Morgan Whittaker all returned to the starting XI to face Oxford. Whittaker’s return is a boost and he managed to play for an hour, but Plymouth still have a whole host of issues. 

Ibrahim Cissoko, Joe Edwards, Michael Obafemi and Mustapha Bundu are all still sidelined and will miss this fixture, while Andre Gray could come back into the XI to lead the line. 

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Plymouth Argyle Football Club," Rooney said after his departure.

"Thanks also to all the staff who made me feel welcome and who make the club such a special place, the players and fans for their efforts and support during my time as head coach and I wish them all the best for the future."

Meanwhile, Bristol City smashed Portsmouth 3-0 last time out and so Liam Manning may be tempted to name an unchanged side. Mark Sykes, Sinclair Armstrong, Kal Naismith and Joe Williams all remain out injured, while Fally Mayulu will be hoping for more minutes having been left as an unused substitue during that win. 

Anis Mehmeti starred in that game with a brace, and will hope to continue his good form behind Nahki Wells. Max Bird and Jason Knight should continue their midfield partnership as the Robins push towards the top six. 

Plymouth Argyle vs Bristol City Odds

Plymouth are priced at 3/1 to win this home game, which gives you some idea of the form they are currently in. Bristol City are the favourites at 9/10, giving them an implied win probability of 52%. 

A draw can be backed at 13/5, while over 2.5 goals is 8/11 having come in during 57% of Argyle’s games so far. BTTS is 4/6 and Wells is the favourite to open the scoring at 11/2, having scored five goals already this term. 

BTTS @ 4/6 

Plymouth have lost their last four away games without scoring, including losing 4-0 to Bristol City at the end of November. But at home goals have been far easier to come by, and they drew 3-3 with Middlesbrough last time out at Home Park. There’s goals in this team and although their high-risk football doesn’t work on the road, they have now picked up 16 points in Devon. 

I think with these two teams going at each other, we should get off to a flyer in 2025. Wells, Mehmeti and Twine will cause problems, while Plymouth can score goals with the likes of Gray and Whittaker. I’m happy to back BTTS to start us off.