For the second weekend running, Plymouth Argyle are preparing to face League One’s bottom side, after they slipped to a frustrating 1-0 defeat at home to Peterborough United last time out.
They travel to the Pirelli Stadium to take on Burton Albion, who slipped to the foot of the table last Saturday after drawing 0-0 at Huddersfield, and Posh’s win in Devon.
Pilgrims’ head coach Tom Cleverley now has a big decision to make over who to start in goal for the match against the Brewers.
Summer acquisition Luca Ashby-Hammond has been a constant so far in the league. But the return of last season’s first-choice stopper, Conor Hazard, from a long-term injury in the Vertu Motors Trophy in midweek brings him into contention for a first League One start of the season this weekend.
Tom Cleverley To Decide On Conor Hazard Return
Hazard assumed the regular starting berth in last season’s Championship campaign for Argyle, following the departure of homegrown favourite Michael Cooper for a substantial fee.
The Northern Ireland international proved an able deputy, featuring 29 times in all competitions. Unfortunately, a knee ligament injury has sidelined him for the first few months of the 2025/26 season.
The 27-year-old enjoyed an stress-free return in midweek as Argyle ran out comfortable 6-2 winners against Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s in the EFL Trophy.
His boss revealed to the Plymouth Herald that he visited a specialist the following day to receive an update on his rehabilitation.
Cleverley also spoke about the positive body language of Hazard and hinted at a possible permanent return to the starting eleven.
Luca Ashby-Hammond signed a one-year contract at Home Park after a trial period in preseason. After a difficult start to life in Devon, the former Fulham man has settled in, resulting in an improvement in his performances in recent weeks.
His penalty save in last week’s defeat to Peterborough is proof of his upturn in fortunes, and fuels the difficult choice that his boss faces ahead of their trip to Burton.
The decision in goal presents the 36-year-old with an important test of his man-management skills, coming relatively early in his Argyle tenure.
A Welcome Return Amidst Injury Chaos
Argyle have been plagued by injuries in the opening weeks of the new season. Having a player finally back on the field has provided welcome relief, and freed up space in an increasingly busy treatment room.
Xavier Amaechi, Julio Pleguezuelo, Jack MacKenzie, and Caleb Watts all face long-term lay-offs, a factor undoubtedly proving disruptive to Argyle’s plans.
The side with the worst defensive record in the entire EFL is longing to field a settled back-line. Kornel Szucs will also miss a few weeks after injuring his medial knee ligament. The Green Army hopes that the imminent availability of Hazard can be the catalyst for a better defensive structure.
It would be unwise to take any unnecessary risks with Hazard, considering the amount of trust already placed in Ashby-Hammond. But the sooner Argyle can confidently field their nine-time internationally capped goalkeeper, the better for their chances of climbing the table.
Plymouth Argyle Seek Much-Needed Consistency
The ten matches they’ve played since their third-tier return have been something of a rollercoaster for Argyle. After a four-match winless start, the Janners finally had a victory to cheer against Blackpool.
A heavy defeat at Cardiff brought about storm clouds once again, a loss that appeared to unite the Pilgrims. The blend of flair and outstanding battling qualities they showcased to beat Stockport County and particularly Luton Town suggested a corner had been turned.
Last weekend’s timid defeat at home to struggling Peterborough, though, felt like a significant backward step.
Burton head coach Gary Bowyer may point to the fact of having played fewer games as a reason for their current league position. They have registered just a solitary win this season, and will be targeting their home match this weekend to ignite their campaign.
Likewise, Argyle will identify this clash as an ideal opportunity to record back-to-back away victories, taking confidence from their famous win at Kenilworth Road a fortnight ago.
