The upcoming Championship match between Plymouth Argyle and Burnley is set to draw much attention on January 22, 2025. The kickoff is at 21:00, with both teams keen to make a strong impact. Currently, Plymouth Argyle is struggling, finding themselves at the bottom of the Championship table in 24th place. This tough period has led to the recent sacking of their head coach, Wayne Rooney. In their last match, Plymouth suffered a slim 0-1 loss to Queens Park Rangers, which ended their promising unbeaten streak at the beginning of the new year.
Burnley, on the other hand, are comfortably in 3rd place in the standings and are pushing hard for promotion. The team boasts an impressive defensive record, having let in only nine goals in 26 matches. Burnley’s recent 0-0 draw with Sunderland further showcases their defensive prowess, largely thanks to the exceptional performances of goalkeeper James Trafford. Historically, Burnley holds the upper hand over Plymouth, having narrowly beaten them 1-0 in their last encounter. This match will take place at Plymouth’s Home Park under a rainy sky, conditions that could affect the game’s speed and strategy.
Plymouth Argyle vs Burnley Prediction & Betting tip
Considering both teams’ current form and the expected moderate rain during the match, it’s anticipated to be a tightly contested affair. Burnley’s strong defense might face a challenge from a determined Plymouth side aiming to bounce back on home turf. The weather could also favor a smoother passing game, which may work to Plymouth’s advantage.
- Prediction: Draw
- Odds Range: Draw: 3.25 – 3.50
- Suggested Bet: Plymouth +1.00 (Asian Handicap)
Important Factors
Plymouth’s potential to regroup at home and Burnley’s occasional offensive hiccups could level the playing field, making a draw a credible outcome. The recommended Asian Handicap bet leans towards a close contest, where Plymouth could leverage scoring chances while ensuring they fortify their defense against Burnley’s counterattacks.
| Plymouth Argyle vs Burnley Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting tip | Odds |
| Plymouth +1.00 (Asian Handicap) | N/A |
Plymouth Argyle vs Burnley Odds
Despite Burnley being the favourites because of their superior league position and stellar defense, Plymouth’s chance for a comeback makes this matchup intriguing. Plymouth’s odds at home reflect their resolve even after a poor season start, while Burnley’s odds benefit from their disciplined defensive gameplay.
Here’s an overview of the betting odds for this encounter:
| Plymouth Argyle vs Burnley Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Plymouth to Win | N/A |
| Burnley to Win | N/A |
| Draw | N/A |
With Plymouth keen on exploiting their home advantage and Burnley aiming to retain their defensive strength, the odds point towards a keenly contested fixture.
Plymouth Argyle Team Analysis
Plymouth Argyle Recent Performance
Plymouth Argyle has had a rough ride this Championship season. Their recent form has been inconsistent, with one loss, two draws, and two wins in the past five matches. Their unbeaten start to 2025 was promising, but losing to Queens Park Rangers highlighted their struggles for consistency, particularly in attack. Despite this, they pulled off a surprise 1-0 victory against Brentford in the FA Cup, showing their capability to compete against stronger teams.
| Recent Results | |
|---|---|
| Queens Park Rangers vs Plymouth | 0-1 (L) |
| Plymouth vs Oxford United | 2-2 (D) |
| Plymouth vs Swansea City | 1-1 (D) |
| Bristol City vs Plymouth | 1-2 (W) |
| Plymouth vs Blackburn | 1-0 (W) |
These recent results underline both their challenges and resilience, primarily highlighted by their scoring difficulties.
Plymouth Argyle Key Players
Morgan Whittaker, leading Plymouth’s scoring with three goals this season, is key to their attack. His efforts will be essential against Burnley’s solid defense. Watch out for Tymoteusz Puchacz, too; his recent displays, including a crucial assist against Oxford United, add depth to Plymouth’s attack. Ryan Hardie and Michael Baidoo also play significant roles in their strategy, especially with the team dealing with injury concerns.
Plymouth Argyle Suspensions & Injuries
Injuries present substantial obstacles for Plymouth as they seek to stabilize their season. Joe Edwards and Muhamed Tijani are both sidelined with hamstring and leg injuries, respectively. Mustapha Bundu and Ryan Hardie are expected back by late January and early February, which should boost their attack. Conor Hazard, the first-choice goalkeeper, is questionable due to a recent knock.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Joe Edwards | Hamstring | Indefinite |
| Muhamed Tijani | Leg Injury | Indefinite |
| Mustapha Bundu | Fitness Issues | Late January 2025 |
| Ryan Hardie | Fitness Concerns | Early February 2025 |
| Conor Hazard | Knock | Doubtful |
Plymouth’s injury list highlights the need to consider young or fringe players to maintain a competitive squad.
Plymouth Argyle Tactics and Formation
Plymouth may take a defensive approach, possibly opting for a 4-3-3 or 4-1-4-1 formation to reinforce their backline. They might focus on using the wings, with Tymoteusz Puchacz leading the charge, to widen their attack. The midfield will be crucial in supporting both sides of the play, with quick counterattacks as their main strategy. With rain expected, maintaining ball control and handling the slippery pitch will be vital to avoid mistakes and make the most of openings.
Burnley Team Analysis
Burnley Recent Performance
Burnley comes into this game with a series of strong defensive performances, known for their organization and discipline. Over their last five fixtures, they have drawn two and won three, consistently allowing no more than one goal per match within these 26 league games. Their recent goalless draw against Sunderland underscores their tactical reliability at the defensive end.
| Recent Results | |
|---|---|
| Burnley vs Sunderland | 0-0 (D) |
| Huddersfield vs Burnley | 1-2 (W) |
| Burnley vs Derby County | 2-0 (W) |
| Swansea City vs Burnley | 0-1 (W) |
| Burnley vs Stoke City | 1-1 (D) |
Burnley’s disciplined form is a testament to their reliance on tactical steadiness and sturdy defense.
Burnley Key Players
Key players are crucial to Burnley’s quest for promotion. Josh Brownhill is a standout, leading the scoring with nine goals. He provides both goals and drives their attack. Zian Flemming also offers creativity, contributing in goals and assists to back the forward line. James Trafford’s recent heroics in goal cement their defensive resolve.
Burnley Suspensions & Injuries
Burnley enters the match mostly unaffected by injuries, but the absences of Aaron Ramsey and Louis Jordan Beyer must be managed. Both are anticipated to return by the end of January, thus enhancing squad depth and rotation.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Ramsey | Unspecified | Late January 2025 |
| Louis Jordan Beyer | Niggle | Late January 2025 |
Burnley’s ability to handle minimal injuries shows strong squad management, allowing them to adapt tactically as needed.
Burnley Tactics and Formation
Under Scott Parker, Burnley’s tactics emphasize a robust defense, likely reflecting a 4-2-3-1 formation. This setup aids their structured defense while allowing rapid counterattacks. Their aim will be to exploit any spaces left by Plymouth during forward pushes, with Brownhill and Flemming spearheading those plays. Burnley’s success lies in their compactness and swift transitions.
Plymouth Argyle vs Burnley Head-to-Head Statistics
Burnley has a favorable record against Plymouth, winning four of their last five games against them. Their most recent matchup saw Burnley edge out Plymouth 1-0, reflecting their strategic edge in past games.
| Previous Meetings | |
|---|---|
| Burnley vs Plymouth | 1-0 (W) |
| Plymouth vs Burnley | 0-2 (L) |
| Burnley vs Plymouth | 2-0 (W) |
| Plymouth vs Burnley | 1-3 (L) |
| Burnley vs Plymouth | 1-1 (D) |
Games between these sides tend to average two to three goals, with Burnley often coming out on top.
Venue and Weather
Home Park, Plymouth’s iconic stadium, will host this game. It offers passionate home support and can be a challenging environment for visitors. The energy from the crowd will undoubtedly encourage Plymouth players as they face one of the championship’s most disciplined defensive teams in Burnley.
The weather forecast predicts moderate rain with temperatures around 7.79°C. These wet conditions can speed up the play surface, potentially influencing the match style. Rainy weather typically favors teams adept in precise passing and ball control, which can facilitate quicker game transitions. Minimal wind is expected, allowing both squads to adhere to their strategies without major changes. Plymouth must be cautious to keep their footing, while Burnley’s tenacious defense will be tested on the slick pitch. Adapting to these conditions will be crucial, as the weather adds an unpredictable element to the evening’s game.
