Plymouth Argyle and Bristol City kick off 2025 when they go head-to-head at Home Park in round 25 of the EFL Championship on New Year's Day. The Pilgrims, who recently announced the departure of head coach Wayne Rooney, will be looking to snap their nine-game winless run and begin the new year on a high. Plymouth Argyle failed to stop the rot as they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Oxford United at the Kassam Stadium last month.
The Pilgrims have gone nine straight games without a win, losing six and claiming three draws since scraping a victory over Portsmouth on November 5. This dire run has seen Plymouth plummet to the bottom of the EFL Championship standings with 18 points from 23 games. Elsewhere, Bristol City wrapped up their 2024 schedule with aplomb, comfortably seeing off Portsmouth 3-0 at Ashton Gate.
With 33 points from 24 matches, Bristol City sat mid-table, aiming to kick off the New Year with another victory against struggling Plymouth, whom they beat 4-0 earlier this season. The head-to-head record leans heavily toward Bristol, who have won 39 out of 65 encounters. This contest carries significant weight for Plymouth as they battle relegation.
Kick-off is set for 12:30 PM at Home Park, Plymouth. The weather is expected to be wet and windy, conditions typically favoring teams with solid home ground advantage. Plymouth, seeking to revitalize their season, has made managerial changes, placing long-serving coach Kevin Nancekivell and club captain Joe Edwards temporarily at the helm.
Prior discussions about the match highlighted the urgency for improvement within Plymouth’s ranks. Nancekivell stated, "We haven't picked up results well enough over the last three or four months and we need to start quickly… Our supporters are the best, and they need to see we are right with them, which we are." His sentiments resonate deeply as the team looks to galvanize their spirits and rekindle hope among their fans.
Meanwhile, Bristol City, under coach Nigel Pearson, aims to capitalize on their recent form, coming off two victories and one defeat, promising to give their all against the Pilgrims. Fans of the Robins hope for a swift double against Plymouth, as they also eye their ticket to the playoffs, with successful points necessitated over the coming weeks.
Both teams arrive at the match with notable absences due to injuries. Plymouth will miss key players, including Obafemi and Edwards, which could impact their already struggling ranks. Despite the obstacles, expectations ride high among fans to witness their team display renewed vigor to start the new year.
The match will be broadcast live across several platforms, with Sky Sports covering the game for viewers at home and radio commentary provided for those following along through BBC Radio Devon and Radio Bristol.
Bookmakers see Plymouth as the underdogs, with odds favoring Bristol City’s victory. Yet, as history shows, the intrigue of football often leads to unexpected outcomes, particularly during local derbies.
The day features more than just football; it encapsulates passion, community engagement, and hopes for brighter days as teams rise to meet their challenges. With fans eagerly awaiting the kickoff, the anticipation sets up what could be potentially thrilling theatre at Home Park.
Only time will tell if 2025 marks the beginning of change for Plymouth Argyle or another step toward challenges unaddressed. The sagas of both teams, full of potential twists, promise to entertain as they battle for coveted points on the Championship table.