Plymouth vs Stoke predictions: Manhoef to shine for improving Potters
- Plymouth have conceded eight goals in their five matches this season
- Stoke have found the net nine times in their opening five games
- Recommended bet: Million Manhoef to score
Two teams currently in the bottom half of the Championship meet at Home Park on Saturday afternoon, as Plymouth and Stoke go head-to-head.
The hosts have just two points from their opening three league games, once again putting boss Wayne Rooney under scrutiny.
The Potters head to Devon off the back of an outstanding 5-0 EFL Cup win at Middlesbrough in midweek and looking for a second league win of the campaign.
Team news
Recent loan signing Michael Obafemi is expected to make his home debut for the Pilgrims, following back-to-back away games at QPR and Watford.
Teenage forward Frederick Issaka and midfielder Adam Forshaw are missing through suspension after collecting red cards last weekend, while Icelandic defender Victor Palsson is doubtful due to a hamstring problem.
Stoke look set to be without several players through injury, including Enda Stevens, Andre Vidigal and Sam Gallagher.
Ashley Phillips and Andrew Moran made impressive debuts at the Riverside and are pushing for starting roles on Saturday.
The stats
Plymouth won this fixture last season thanks to a 90th minute goal, while Stoke gained revenge with a 3-0 success in the return fixture.
Dutchman Million Manhoef scored in that 3-0 victory and also bagged twice in the midweek 5-0 EFL Cup win over Middlesbrough.
The Pilgrims have not scored more than one goal in a home game in their last nine Championship matches.
Stoke have lost two of their last six Championship games on the road, while on-loan Louis Koumas has scored two goals in City’s last two games.
Prediction
The early signs this season are that Stoke are making progress under Steven Schumacher, who returns to his old stamping ground this weekend.
That progress was highlighted by the emphatic cup success in midweek and in Million Mahoef, they look to have a player who could have a big season.
Having only joined the Potters in February, the Dutch Under-21 international looks to have settled in and has six goals in 19 appearances in all competitions.
You could argue that things have improved for the Pilgrims following their opening weekend defeat at Sheffield Wednesday, but it could not have got much worse.
The sendings-off of Issaka and Forshaw will not help their cause on Saturday, especially against a Stoke team buoyed by their midweek success.
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