Plymouth vs Preston Prediction: PNE can score hatful

The Plymouth vs Preston prediction this weekend takes on extra importance for the Pilgrims. After a run of poor form under Ian Foster, the home side now sit just three points above the relegation zone, and the chasing pack are picking up points at an alarming rate. 

Only promoted from League One as champions last term, the south-west club will be desperate to avoid an instant return to the third tier. Meanwhile, Saturday’s opponents Preston are in mid-table, with an outside shot of making the top six. Here’s how we think this one will pan out. 

Team News

Alfie Devine and Darko Gyabi are both pushing for starts for the home side, while Adam Randell could come in to freshen up the midfield. Alternatively, Foster may choose to name the same team as the one that drew with Blackburn last weekend, after they came from 1-0 down to secure a draw against 10-men.

Meanwhile Preston are without both Brad Potts and Ben Whiteman, with the latter likely to miss this one with an ankle issue. The defeat to Stoke could see Ryan Lowe make changes, with Milutin Osmajic scoring off the bench in that 2-1 loss.

Match Odds

Plymouth are 6/4 to win this game, with Preston priced at 15/8 for the win. A draw can be backed at 23/10, BTTS is 4/6 and over 2.5 goals is 5/6.

Preston to win @ 15/8

Despite their defeat to Stoke last time out, I just believe on paper Preston are a far superior side to Plymouth at this moment in time. PNE have a decent amount of quality running throughout their squad, and although Whiteman is missed, they should be able to take advantage of an Argyle side lacking confidence.

Under Foster, they’ve now only won one of their last nine games in all competitions. You can see they are not as good as they were earlier in the season and it feels as though the home fans are beginning to lose faith that they can stay up. I don’t think Home Park is the fortress it was last term, and it could be another tough afternoon for the home side.

Preston to score over 2.5 goals @ 5/1

A big price, but one I think is worth a punt. Plymouth have conceded at least two goals in each of their five home games. They’ve faced tough opposition at times during that run, but Preston have also proven themselves to be strong goalscorers on the road.

They notably scored three against Coventry, and prior to that they scored two at Cardiff and at home to Ipswich. I’m confident they will find the net a couple of times, with the 5/1 price on over 2.5 goals simply too good to turn down. Lowe will be desperate to get back to winning ways.

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