AFC Wimbledon are set for another tough test in the Papa John’s Trophy as we make the trip south to take on Plymouth Argyle.
Our League One hosts have been flying high this season and will pose a big challenge as we seek to progress to the next round of the competition.
Here we give you the lowdown on the Pilgrims:
THE GAFFER
Steven Schumacher was handed the top job at Home Park in December 2021 after the departure of Ryan Lowe to Preston North End. The former midfielder built up his coaching experience with Everton, Southport and Bury before making the move to Plymouth in 2019.
The 38-year-old has won the Sky Bet League One Manager of Month award on three occasions, having built-up momentum well this term.
THE SQUAD
The attacking trio of Ryan Hardie, Morgan Whittaker and Niall Ennis have an impressive 22 goals between them so far and would pose a big threat to even the toughest of defenses.
Joe Edwards and Danny Mayor are both seasoned campaigners who have the ability to shift the balance of matches, whilst Argyle academy product Adam Randell is a good prospect in the heart of midfield.
HE’S PLAYED FOR BOTH
Sam Cosgrove is pulling up trees in Devon, with the striker having put his disappointing loan spell with us firmly behind him.
Still a Birmingham City player, the former Aberdeen target man has six goals to his name at the time of writing, which is a big improvement on the single strike he netted in yellow and blue last season.
WE’VE MET BEFORE
These opponents will bring back great memories for our supporters, with the Dons having beaten the Pilgrims 2-0 at Wembley Stadium in 2016 as we claimed promotion to League One thanks to goals from Lyle Taylor and Adebayo Akinfenwa.
Other meetings between the two sides include an eventful 4-4 draw at Loftus Road in September 2020 and a 2-0 victory in 2011 as Jack Midson netted a brace at Home Park.
FORM GUIDE
Of the 22 league games that they have played so far, Argyle have won 14, drawn five and lost just three, putting them top of the standings.
Their progression in the FA Cup was ended by Grimsby Town (5-1), whilst Peterborough United saw them off (2-0) in the Carabao Cup. Plymouth defeated Charlton Athletic 3-2 in the previous round to get to this stage of the Papa John’s Trophy.
GET YOUR TICKETS FOR WEDNESDAY
Johnnie Jackson’s men will be aiming to secure a place in the quarter-finals – and you could be there to cheer them on to another victory!
We are not selling tickets for this match on Wednesday 21 December (7pm kick-off), but you can buy from the host club.
Contact the Plymouth ticket office on 01752 907700 (please state that you are an away fan).
Alternatively, you can buy on the day from the Home Park Ticket Office.
Ticket prices are as follows:
Adults - £13
Over 65 - £10
Under 23 - £8
Under 18 - £4
Under 12 - Free (with paying Adult/Over 65/Under 23)
Wheelchair Adult - £13
Wheelchair Over 65 - £10
Wheelchair Under-23 - £8
Wheelchair Under-18 - £4
Please note we will not be running a supporters' coach for this match.
PICS: Pro Sports Images