Brentford v Plymouth Argyle: Prediction, Tips and Odds

A 5-0 rout of Southampton last weekend snapped a five-game winless sequence for Brentford and the Bees should kickstart a run in the FA Cup with a third-round victory over Championship strugglers Plymouth Argyle.

Thomas Frank’s side haven’t always given the FA Cup their full focus - they have failed to go past the fourth round in the last five seasons - but their healthy position in the Premier League means they should be able to give the competition a roll of the dice.

The Bees sit 11th in the Premier League and that has largely been down to their form at home, where they have won seven, drawn one and lost two of their opening 10 assignments.

And that could spell trouble for Plymouth, who find themselves rooted to the foot of the Championship table with only 20 points collected from 25 matches.

Not only that but the Pilgrims remain without a win on their league travels, suffering 11 defeats in 14 road outings.

Plymouth are still on the hunt for a new manager following Wayne Rooney’s December dismissal, so Kevin Nancekivell remains in caretaker charge for the trip to the capital.

Brentford v Plymouth Argyle betting tips and predictions

Brentford to win to nil - 5/4

Sitting in mid-table and 11 points clear of the Premier League relegation zone means Frank should give this competition some respect and this looks like a gilt-edged opportunity to make round four.

Brentford have excelled at home this season, winning seven of their 10 Premier League fixtures on their own patch, and they enjoyed a run to the quarter-final of the EFL Cup, so look sure to take this test seriously.

For Plymouth, on the other hand, it is an unwanted distraction as they are three points adrift of Championship survival and will have their attention fixed on a relegation scrap.

The Pilgrims have been utterly useless on their Championship travels, too, with only three points to show from their 14 away games.

Eleven defeats in that period highlights their struggles on the road and the goals have also been hard to come by, with them scoring only three times away from home.

Plymouth have failed to score in five straight away matches and they may struggle to break down Brentford, who have kept clean sheets in two of their last three outings at Brighton and Southampton.

The Bees have been leaky in the Premier League, but this should be a much easier assignment against a Plymouth team who are on an 11-game winless run.

Kevin Schade to score at anytime - 6/4

While Frank should still deploy a strong side, there will be an opportunity for fringe players, although injuries somewhat restrict what Brentford can do.

One player who has impressed this season is Kevin Schade and the tricky German winger could cause plenty of problems for Plymouth if given the green light to start.

Schade has six goals in 24 appearances this season, which includes one in last weekend’s 5-0 win at Saints, and he did get on the scoresheet against Championship opponents Sheffield Wednesday in the League Cup earlier in the season.

An early Brentford goal could soon see things get ugly for Plymouth, who have conceded three or more in five of their last ten away games in the Championship.

Darko Gyabi to be shown a card - 9/2

If Plymouth are to get a foothold in this contest then the midfield battle is going to be vital and Leeds United loanee Darko Gyabi could find himself getting embroiled in a physical battle.

The 21-year-old is on a season-long loan from the current Championship leaders, so doesn’t have to worry about being cup-tied and he is Plymouth's leading card receiver this season with five bookings in 21 appearances.

The youngster will be keen to make an impression, but Brentford inherit a classy midfield and are likely to dominate possession, so he looks set to make a couple of fouls.

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Brentford v Plymouth Argyle odds

Brentford - 2/11
Draw - 13/2
Plymouth Argyle - 11/1

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.