- Team odds: Plymouth are 1.29 favourites for this one, with Alvechurch listed at 8.0.
- Alvechurch form: Alvechurch arrive in good form, winning three, drawing five and losing only two of their last ten in all competitions.
- Plymouth form: Plymouth have won six, drawn one and lost three of their last ten in all competitions.
Pilgrims and Church set for intriguing cup tie
Odds and context
Saturday's FA Cup game between Plymouth Argyle FC and Alvechurch looks set to be a classic David and Goliath encounter, with The Pilgrims listed at 1.29 and The Church at 8.0, both of which look about right. Plymouth are the clear favorites after a mixed run of form, which saw them suffer a 3-0 loss at Stevenage followed by a 3-2 win at Cambridge United and a 0-0 home draw with Reading.
Plymouth form
It is a decent return of six wins, one draw and three defeats in ten across all competitions, but not quite the dominant form that The Pilgrims will want at this stage of the season. Tom Cleverley has instilled some great energy into the team, which presses well and moves the ball well, but they may be in danger of falling into the trap of thinking this cup game is already won.
Alvechurch form
Alvechurch arrive in much better form after a 4-4 draw at Stratford Town, a 2-2 home tie with Anstey Nomads and a 3-1 win at Leiston. That return of three wins, five draws and two defeats in the last ten is testament to Ian Long's ability to keep his men compact and disciplined, despite them playing with a straightforward, direct style.
Key players
- Miracle Okafor has been in excellent form for the Birmingham-based club, netting seven of Alvechurch's 15 goals in the last five games and his form could be the difference on Saturday.
- Aribim Pepple has been a threat for Plymouth, scoring two of their four goals in the same period, but Alvechurch could just have enough to cause an upset.
Pilgrims should have enough to edge out The Church
We're backing Plymouth to win this one, but Alvechurch have been very resilient on the road in this competition, so we don't think it will be a straightforward game for the hosts.
Over 2.5 goals and both teams to score is a safe bet in the markets, but Under 2.5 goals offers a good value alternative and keeps the game script a bit tighter.
