Preview: Plymouth Argyle vs. Sunderland - prediction, team news, lineups

Sunderland will be searching for a fourth consecutive victory when they make the long trip down to Devon to face a Plymouth Argyle side that are looking for a response after losing to Wycombe Wanderers in their last outing.

The hosts enter the contest in fourth place, while Sunderland sit two points further back in seventh position.

Match preview

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Plymouth's form has slightly dipped in recent weeks, with their previous four matches yielding just one victory and an away defeat to Wycombe on Friday looks to have ended any remaining automatic promotion hopes.

Rather than looking up, the Pilgrims will have to be mindful of those chasing from behind, with seventh-placed Sunderland two points behind Steven Schumacher's side

After losing 2-0 at Adams Park on Friday, Plymouth will welcome a return to home surroundings on Monday, especially as they currently hold the third-best home record in the division.

A solid backline has been the foundation of Argyle's success at Home Park with no side boasting a better defensive record on home turf than the Pilgrims in League One this term.

In fact, Plymouth have been in exemplary form at both ends of the pitch in their recent home contests, with their last six results at Home Park combining for a 12-0 scoreline.

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Sunderland sit just outside the playoffs on goal difference, but they could give their hopes of a top-six finish a boost on Monday, as a win would see them leapfrog their hosts in the league table.

Recent results suggest that Sunderland are set for a strong finish to the season with Monday's visitors looking to extend their current unbeaten run to 10 matches.

In their last outing, Sunderland edged out Shrewsbury Town by a 3-2 scoreline despite Alex Neil's side letting a two-goal lead slip in the contest.

Elliot Embleton and Nathan Broadhead both netted in the opening 13 minutes to get the Black Cats off to a flyer, but Josh Vela gave the Shrews a lifeline just after the break before former Sunderland man Tom Flanagan restored parity before the hour mark.

Despite seeing their two-goal advantage wiped out, Neil's charges showed great character to claim a third consecutive victory, with Broadhead finding a winner in the second minute of stoppage time to ensure that his side carry momentum into Monday's contest.

Team News

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Joe Edwards will miss the contest for Plymouth due to an ankle issue that also prevented him from featuring in Friday's contest.

The Pilgrims could also be without Ryan Hardie, who has been suffering with a thigh injury, which has kept him out of the last three matches.

Niall Ennis was introduced at half time against Wycombe, and Schumacher may be tempted to bring the striker back into the starting lineup on Monday.

As for the visitors, they are doubtful about the availability of Alex Pritchard who has missed the last two matches with an injury issue.

Thorben Hoffman and Callum Doyle are also doubts after missing Friday's contest due to illness, while Leon Dajaku has returned to his native Germany to undergo tests.

Neil may attempt to freshen up the midfield by bringing Corry Evans back into the starting lineup.

Plymouth Argyle possible starting lineup:

Cooper; Wilson, Gillesphey, Scarr; Sessegnon, Houghton, Camara, Mayor, Grant; Ennis, Jephcott

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Patterson; Winchester, Wright, Cirkin; Gooch, Evans, Embleton, Matete, Clarke; Broadhead, Stewart

We say: Plymouth Argyle 1-1 Sunderland

Sunderland have won five of the last six competitive meetings with Plymouth, but with the Pilgrims boasting an impressive home record in League One this season, we think that the visitors will have to settle for a point on Monday.