- Plymouth remain rooted to the foot of the Championship table
- Stoke have climbed the table of late after a two-match unbeaten run
- Recommended bet: Stoke to win 2-0

Mark Robins has gone from being the longest-serving Championship manager to the newest appointment, and he will be anxious to kick off his Stoke reign with a victory over basement boys Plymouth at home.

The 55-year-old watched on from the stands as Stoke secured a creditable 0-0 draw at Burnley on New Year’s Day.

But he will be hands-on for the visit of Plymouth as he looks to get the Potters further away from the second tier’s danger zone.

Plymouth are also going through a period of upheaval after the recent decision to part company with Wayne Rooney.

Caretaker-boss Kevin Nancekivell started with a 2-2 draw at home to Bristol City but his team sit three points adrift at the foot of the table.

Team news

Stoke are short of options in midfield with Ben Pearson (hamstring) and Jordan Thompson (groin) unavailable. Their offensive threat is constrained by injuries to Ryan Mmaee (muscle strain) and Million Manhoef (knee).

Robins selects his first starting 11 as Potters manager and seems certain to stick with on-loan Leicester striker Tom Cannon, who bagged the winning goal in last Sunday’s 1-0 success at home to Sunderland.

Veteran defender Joe Edwards (hamstring) remains sidelined but will be assisting caretaker manager Nancekivell from a coaching perspective. The duo may consider the merits of a start for influential winger Ibrahim Cissoko, who returned from a layoff as a substitute in Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at home to Bristol City. Ryan Hardie (shoulder), Lewis Gibson (dead leg) and Mustapha Bundu (hamstring) are doubts and Matty Sorinola (cramp) should be available.

The stats

Stoke have kept back-to-back Championship clean sheets for the first time this season and each of the Potters’ last four games have featured less than three goals.

Plymouth have lost their last five away games and haven’t scored on their previous four road trips, while Argyle have failed to win any of their last 10 fixtures

Prediction

Stoke picked up four points from their last two games and their mini-revival can continue with a victory over Plymouth in Robins’ first match on the Potters’ bench.

Robins watched on from the stands as a well organised Stoke held Burnley to a goalless draw but he will be looking for more offensive thrust against Plymouth, who have had a miserable couple of months.

The Stoke crowd will be eager to welcome their new manager and the extra edge to the atmosphere will make Plymouth’s task even tougher.

Argyle have the worst away record in the division and another setback is on the cards against Stoke, who look overpriced for a 2-0 victory.

Back Stoke to win 2-0 at 13/2 with LiveScore Bet

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