Accrington v Plymouth preview

admin

Laurence Wilson is a doubt for Accrington’s home game with Plymouth.

Stanley boss James Beattie would surely have liked to name the same starting XI which demolished local rivals Morecambe 5-1 in midweek, but that may not be an option if Wilson cannot shake off a groin concern.

The full-back’s spot could be taken by Michael Liddle, who is back in training following a hamstring strain.

Beattie, who this week reiterated his commitment to Accrington’s cause amid continued speculation over the vacant managerial post at Oxford, has not seen his team lose at home since Valentine’s Day.

Plymouth will be without striker Lewis Alessandra when they tackle Accrington.

The forward, who has netted 12 times this season, suffered a grade two hamstring tear in the first half of Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Chesterfield which looks set to sideline him for between four and six weeks – potentially ending his season.

His absence is likely to open the door for Bury loanee Tope Obadeyi, who has two games remaining of his stay at Home Park, or Marvin Morgan.

Jason Banton was an unused substitute against Chesterfield having returned to fitness after a groin operation and he will hope to be involved against James Beattie’s side.

Accrington v Plymouth preview

admin

Ian Craney is back in contention to start when Paul Cook takes charge of Accrington for the first time.

Craney was left out as a precaution for Tuesday night’s 1-0 defeat at Rotherham after complaining of discomfort just weeks after returning from a broken ankle.

Defender Sean Hessey has not trained all week as he continues to struggle with a hamstring problem but otherwise Cook has a full squad to choose from in what he believes will be a stern test for his new side at the Crown Ground.

“It’s a very tough challenge,” he said. “They are fighting for their lives and teams that are fighting for their lives don’t lie down and die.

“They will come here and they will want to get three points. It’s important that we are organised and we do what we can do to affect the game.”

Plymouth should be able to call on Joe Lennox.

The midfielder missed the Pilgrims’ goalless draw with Barnet on Tuesday night because of illness but is expected to return to contention for a place in the matchday squad at the Crown Ground.

Argyle manager Carl Fletcher is likely to be without Warren Feeney, however, as the forward is struggling with a calf problem.

After putting in a man-of-the-match display on his full debut in midweek, on-loan striker Alex MacDonald will be hoping to keep his place in the wake of pressure from Juvhel Tsoumou and Craig Sutherland.

Simon Walton dropped to the bench to be replaced by Conor Hourihane in midfield against Barnet but he is likely to return to the starting line-up.