League One’s promotion and play-off races are tightening up, and there is plenty going on around the division as clubs begin to balance the final few games with one eye already on the summer.
Plymouth Argyle weighing up late call on Pepple
Plymouth Argyle boss Tom Cleverley has confirmed Bim Pepple will be assessed as late as possible ahead of the Devon derby with Exeter City, while several other players are back in contention as the Pilgrims push on in the hunt for the top six.
Pepple missed the Easter Monday win at Barnsley with what was described as a minor calf problem, but Cleverley has not ruled him out of Saturday’s game. He said:
“It will be a late decision that one. 50-50. Risk assessment comes into it with the size of the game and the stage of the season, so that will be as late as possible.”
The timing is helpful for Argyle because their forward line has suddenly become a real strength. In Pepple’s absence, Owen Oseni and Lorent Tolaj combined for all three goals in the 3-0 victory at Barnsley, and Cleverley sounded delighted to have options again after a spell earlier in the season when much of the burden fell on Tolaj. Between Tolaj, Pepple and Oseni, Argyle’s strikers have now produced 43 goals in all competitions, a healthy return for a side still clinging to play-off hopes.
Tolaj, in particular, looks ready to make a major contribution in the closing weeks. Cleverley said:
“We are thrilled to have him back and the shackles are off now.”
There is more good news elsewhere too, with Tegan Finn, Matty Sorinola and Brendan Wiredu all available again in some capacity, while Bradley Ibrahim is also closing in on a return. After losing Herbie Kane to a significant hamstring tear, that influx could yet prove crucial.