Match preview: Bristol Rovers host Plymouth Argyle at Memorial Stadium
The EFL Trophy Round of 16 brings a tasty southern clash to Memorial Stadium on 13 January 2026, where Bristol Rovers welcome Plymouth Argyle under referee Alex Chilowicz. With the crowd capacity under 10,000 and home turf in Bristol, there will be noise — but form and numbers suggest Plymouth travel with the momentum. The Rovers arrive buoyed by a convincing 3-0 win at Shrewsbury on New Year’s Day, a result that briefly interrupted a long sequence of poor outcomes. That victory, with Fabrizio Cavegn earning the match’s top billing, could be a morale booster, yet the broader run reads one win, one draw and eight defeats in the latest ten — a run that demands honesty from anyone assessing this tie.
Form, recent meetings and momentum
Plymouth’s recent trajectory offers the opposite tone: a string of productive results that includes a 3-0 win over Burton Albion on 4 January and strong scoring displays in December. Brendan Galloway’s standout performance in that last outing exemplified Argyle’s attacking efficiency. Across their latest ten outings, Plymouth boast five wins, two draws and three losses, a clear edge when set against Bristol’s struggles. The only recent EFL Trophy meeting between these two this season saw Bristol edge a 1-0 victory back in November, so memories of that tight encounter will linger in both camps. Still, single-match history rarely outweighs a full-season trend in knockout football.
Key statistics that shape the prediction
Numbers tell a persuasive story: Plymouth generate more shots and shots on target on average and have been more consistent in finding the net. Their season totals show 64 total shots and 25 on target compared with Bristol’s 48 and 16 respectively, and Argyle’s goals-scored figures sit higher in both home and away columns. Bristol’s defensive record at home has had moments of resistance — two clean sheets noted in their season stats — but they have been involved in matches where both sides find the net in recent home fixtures, pointing to potential openness at Memorial Stadium.
Tactical angle and what to expect
Expect Plymouth to press for control with quicker transitions and higher shot volume, while Bristol will look to harness the home crowd and the confidence from that Shrewsbury win. Set-piece moments and defensive organisation under pressure could decide the tie; on the small capacity pitch, a single break or moment of quality could swing the knockout tie.
Prediction and betting tips
Given the contrast in recent form, the statistical edge in attacking output for Plymouth, and their sharper momentum coming into January, the sensible recommendation leans toward an away victory in the 1X2 market. For bettors wanting to refine approach and manage risk, combining this match view with broader reading on markets can help — consider studying materials like Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets to pick the best lines, and keep composure with resources such as How to have emotional control when placing bets?
Betting suggestion: Back Plymouth Argyle to win (1X2). This recommendation prioritises form, attacking statistics and recent performances rather than one-off results; stake responsibly and consider match circumstances on game day before committing.
