Plymouth vs Cheltenham Prediction: Rooney needs reaction from home side

The first round of the Carabao Cup sees Plymouth Argyle take on Cheltenham Town at Home Park on Wednesday night (19:45, Sky Sports+). It already feels like the eyes of the world are watching to see how Wayne Rooney will fare in Devon, and after a 4-0 hammering by Sheffield Wednesday, many have already written him off. 

This Carabao Cup match will provide the Pilgrims with a chance to bounce back, against lower league opposition. Below you can find my Plymouth vs Cheltenham prediction.

Team News

Having only played on Sunday afternoon, and given the embarrassing performance his players put in, we can expect Rooney to ring the changes ahead of this one. Kornel Szucs, Julio Pleguezuelo, Joe Edwards and front man Ryan Hardie are all expected to start, as the former Manchester United man looks to spark a response from his squad. 

Meanwhile, after their thrilling 3-2 success over his former side Newport County, Michael Flynn may only have to tinker with his side. Joel Colwill bagged twice at the weekend but could sit this one out, with Ethon Archer the most likely replacement. Arkell Jude-Boyd could also come in at right wing-back, but only a few changes are expected for the League 2 side. 

Plymouth vs Cheltenham Odds

Plymouth are priced at 4/6 to win this game, while Cheltenham are available at 18/5. A draw can be backed at 11/4, BTTS is 8/11 and over 2.5 goals is also 8/11. 

BTTS @ 8/11

Clearly these two sides are not the best defensively this season, and the Carabao Cup provides an opportunity for both managers to really go for it. Rooney was left furious with his team after their 4-0 defeat to Wednesday, but in truth, it could have been a lot worse. 

They conceded a ridiculous 31 shots across the 90 minutes, and 11 of those were on target. Given star goalkeeper, Michael Cooper, who was left on the bench in that game is now off to the red half of Sheffield, I can see them conceding plenty of goals this term. 

However, I’m also expecting a reaction, and for the like of Morgan Whittaker to step and be counted. Cheltenham are two divisions below them, and conceded twice to Newport in their opener, so goals for both teams are on the agenda at Home Park. 

Football Odds

Plymouth to win @ 4/6

Plymouth were terrible at the weekend. Let’s make no bones about it. But, this is a new test, and Rooney simply cannot afford to lose against a League 2 side this early in his tenure. He is going to want an immediate reaction to that defeat and although I think both teams will score, I think the home side will come out on top. 

This has become a big game for them, and a confidence-boosting win would just settle them down a bit as we head into the season. Players will have to respond, otherwise they will lose their place in this team and I think the quality difference between the two squads will be apparent. Rooney to win. Plymouth to progress.