League One outfit Plymouth Argyle will be aiming to make a winning start to their 2025-26 EFL Trophy campaign when they welcome League Two side Cheltenham Town on Tuesday night.
Plymouth come into this clash reeling from a heavy 4-0 defeat at Cardiff City in League One, while Cheltenham secured a morale-boosting 1-1 draw away to Salford City in League Two last weekend.
Read our Plymouth vs Cheltenham predictions and preview to find out, but remember to also check our other EFL Trophy predictions.
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Plymouth vs Cheltenham prediction: Tight contest, home edge expected
Key statistics
- Plymouth Argyle have claimed 14 victories from their last 22 meetings with Cheltenham.
- This season in the EFL Trophy, Plymouth average 1.2 points per home game, compared to Cheltenham’s 0.2 away.
- Both teams have scored in just 31% of the previous meetings.
- The fixture has averaged 2.54 goals per match historically.
Correct score prediction: Plymouth Argyle 2-0 Cheltenham Town
Plymouth’s inconsistency has been evident this season, but Cheltenham’s struggles run deeper. The hosts’ superior squad depth and stronger recent record in this matchup suggest they should have just enough to edge through.
Odds and win probability – Bookmakers side with Plymouth
- Home Win: 1.65 (60.61%)
- Draw: 3.80 (26.32%)
- Away Win: 4.75 (21.05%)
*Odds via Ladbrokes, subject to change.
The markets tilt toward Plymouth, with the Greens rated as clear favourites on home soil. Yet Cheltenham’s longer odds might attract punters willing to gamble on an upset in what is expected to be a close-run affair.
Recent meetings – Plymouth’s dominance clear
The head-to-head record favours Plymouth strongly. Across 13 recent encounters, the Greens have won nine, Cheltenham have managed just two, with two draws. Plymouth have also outscored Cheltenham 22-11 over this stretch, underlining their advantage.
England EFL Cup 14/08/24
Plymouth
Cheltenham
UK Friendlies 20/07/24
Cheltenham
Plymouth
England EFL Trophy 21/02/23
Plymouth
Cheltenham
England League 1 21/01/23
Plymouth
Cheltenham
England League 1 26/12/22
Cheltenham
Plymouth
Plymouth preview – Searching for stability
Plymouth endured relegation from the Championship last season, and their adjustment to League One has been far from smooth. With just three points from their opening six league matches, they sit 21st and badly need momentum.
A 1-0 win over Blackpool briefly lifted spirits, but defeats against Swansea (EFL Cup) and Cardiff have since exposed the team’s fragility. Tom Cleverley will see this tie as a chance to restore confidence before Saturday’s key league clash with Stockport.
History is on Plymouth’s side too – they are on a six-game winning streak against Cheltenham, with their last defeat to the Robins coming in October 2020 in this very competition.
Cleverley is expected to rotate heavily, offering minutes to fringe players and youngsters. Zak Baker should start in goal, while Brendan Galloway, Freddie Issaka, Joseph Hatch and Aribim Pepple are all likely to be handed rare starts.
Predicted lineup: Baker (GK); Edwards, Mitchell, Galloway, Sorinola, Issaka, Ibrahim, Roberts, Amaechi, Oseni & Pepple
Last five games
- 30/08/2025: Cardiff City 4-0 Plymouth Argyle
- 26/08/2025: Swansea City 1-1 Plymouth Argyle
- 23/08/2025: Plymouth Argyle 1-0 Blackpool
- 19/08/2025: Plymouth Argyle 0-1 Leyton Orient
- 16/08/2025: Lincoln City 3-2 Plymouth Argyle
Cheltenham preview – Struggling for confidence
Cheltenham’s start to the season has been even more troubling. Rooted to the bottom of League Two with just one point from six matches, Michael Flynn’s side are desperate for improvement.
A spirited draw at Salford offered some hope, but heavy defeats to Cardiff, Barnet and MK Dons reflect the Robins’ defensive frailties.
While they did enjoy a cup win over Exeter earlier this month, their overall form suggests survival in the league remains the priority.
Flynn will rotate too, using this competition to test younger players and squad options. Mamadou Diallo is set to start in goal, while Ryan Broom, Tommy Backwell and Jake Bickerstaff are expected to feature from the off. A tactical switch to a back four is also possible.
Predicted lineup: Diallo (GK), Jude-Boyd, Power, Mazionis, Harmon, Backwell, Sohna, Broom, Martin, Archer & Bickerstaff
Last five games
- 29/08/2025: Salford City 1-1 Cheltenham
- 26/08/2025: Cardiff City 3-0 Cheltenham
- 23/08/2025: Cheltenham 0-1 Barnet
- 19/08/2025: Cheltenham 1-2 Bromley FC
- 16/08/2025: MK Dons 5-0 Cheltenham
Player to watch – Xavier Amaechi
Amaechi remains Plymouth’s most exciting attacking outlet. The winger thrives on direct dribbles and link-up play in the final third, and Cleverley relies on his flair to break down stubborn backlines.
Formerly of Arsenal, his pedigree and confidence make him a key figure in matches like these.