Preston vs Plymouth Argyle predictions & betting tips

Deepdale is set to host a high-stakes Championship clash this Saturday as Preston North End face Plymouth Argyle in a crucial relegation battle. Preston, currently in 18th place, are only three points ahead of the relegation zone, while Plymouth are themselves just three points from safety, making this fixture pivotal for both teams' survival hopes. A victory for Preston would all but guarantee survival, while Plymouth are desperate for points to continue their late-season escape attempt.

The form guide presents contrasting narratives. Preston are winless in their last six matches (L L L D D), struggling to find consistency at a critical juncture. Plymouth, on the other hand, have shown flashes of resilience, securing three wins in their last five outings (W L W L W). However, their woeful away record of 1-6-15 this season remains a glaring weakness. Preston, averaging 1.06 goals per home game compared to Plymouth’s 0.67 on the road, will look to capitalise on this disparity.

History favours the hosts, with Preston unbeaten in their last seven home meetings against Plymouth, including four victories. Their most recent encounter ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, highlighting both teams’ attacking prowess but also their defensive vulnerabilities. Plymouth’s league-worst goal difference of -37 underscores their struggles at the back, a frailty Preston’s top scorer Emil Riis, with 10 goals this season, will aim to exploit. Meanwhile, Plymouth’s Ryan Hardie, with nine goals to his name, remains their best hope of breaching Preston’s defence.

With the relegation battle heating up, this match could have far-reaching implications. A Preston victory would strengthen their position above the drop zone, while an upset for Plymouth could make their great escape almost complete. With so much at stake, a fiercely contested encounter is expected at Deepdale.

Preston - Plymouth Argyle Key Facts

• Preston North End have demonstrated a strong home record against Plymouth Argyle, remaining unbeaten in their last seven encounters at Deepdale. This includes four wins and three draws, showcasing their dominance in this fixture and suggesting a favourable outcome for Preston in future matches.

• Despite recent challenges, Preston have maintained an unbeaten streak in their last five Championship games against Plymouth. With three wins and two draws, this record indicates a psychological advantage that could influence the result of their next meeting.

• Plymouth have faced significant difficulties in away matches this season, securing only one win in 22 Championship games on the road. This raises concerns about their ability to earn points against a historically stronger Preston team.

Betting Predictions

Primary Bet:Home Win @ 1.75

Preston North End’s strong historical record against Plymouth Argyle makes the "home win" an attractive option. Preston have triumphed in 4 of their last 7 home matches against Plymouth and remain unbeaten in their last 7 encounters on home turf. Adding to this, Plymouth’s woeful away form this season—managing just 1 win in 22 matches and failing to score in 15 of those—further bolsters confidence in a Preston victory. While Preston’s current six-match winless run might raise minor concerns, their dominance at home against Plymouth offers excellent value at odds of 1.75.

Secondary Bet:Under 2.5 Goals @ 2.10

The "under 2.5 goals" market is equally appealing, supported by both teams’ struggles in front of goal. Plymouth have failed to score in 15 of their 22 away fixtures, while Preston average just 1.06 goals per home match. Plymouth’s away average of 0.67 goals per game, combined with a history of low-scoring encounters between these sides, strengthens the case for a tight, low-scoring affair. At odds of 2.10, this bet provides solid value, with the statistical evidence pointing towards a cagey contest.