- Plymouth Argyle FC have won six, drawn one and lost three of their last ten matches in all competitions.
- Alvechurch have won two, drawn three and lost none of their five away matches in all competitions.
The Church can make The Pilgrims work for their place in the next round
The odds suggest that the David and Goliath clash of Plymouth Argyle FC v Alvechurch is a case of all or nothing when the sides face off at Home Park, England on Saturday. The Pilgrims are available at 29/100 while the Church come in at a very long 7/1, which is perhaps understandable. The hosts arrive in mixed form after a 3-0 defeat at Stevenage, a 3-2 victory at Cambridge United and a 0-0 draw at home to Reading. Across all competitions, they've won six, drawn one and lost three of their last ten games, which isn't a bad return, but not dominant either. Tom Cleverley has put together an exciting, energetic squad that can play fluidly in possession or press with a lot of intensity when they're without the ball, but they'll need to be at their best to put away a plucky Alvechurch. Ian Long has his men right up for this and they've got themselves in strong nick for this clash, starting with a wild 4-4 draw at Stratford Town, followed by a 2-2 home draw with Anstey Nomads and a 3-1 victory at Leiston. They've been very difficult to beat recently, winning three, drawing five and losing two of their last ten and they are good enough to make a nuisance of themselves.
Okafor to score in an away goal feast
Although Plymouth have the better of the odds in this one, there's every chance that they'll have to dig deep to see this one through. Alvechurch are so tough to beat and they can score goals, which is a lethal combination for cup clashes like this. The value is in the goals markets, where we're going with Over 2.5 at 12/25 and BTTS - Yes at 77/100, but Under 2.5 at 37/25 is also going to keep us honest and keep the script relatively tight.
Plymouth are the more likely winners, but Alvechurch are good away from home, winning two and drawing three of five trips, scoring 12 goals at a rate of 2.40 per 90 minutes. Miracle Okafor is in fine form, netting seven times in his last five matches, and he can score again to give the visitors a real chance at an upset.
Aribim Pepple has been one of the few consistent performers for the home side, scoring two of Plymouth's four goals across the last five games. This should be an interesting clash of styles, as the visitors are compact and disciplined, relying on crosses and set-pieces to cause trouble. The hosts like to press and then break quickly and should have enough to see off their visitors.
