Next Up: Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City

The Checkatrade Trophy may have been (further?) devalued over this season and last thanks to the introduction of the “U23” sides of top clubs, but given there is no Devon Derby in the league this season this will have to do! Despite the extra meaning given to this particular fixture, expect wholesale changes as Paul Tisdale seeks to give playing time to those who may not ordinarily get to start – such as James Hamon in goal and fringe players like Alex Byrne and Matt Jay, while West Brom loanees Kane Wilson and Kyle Edwards could be in line also to start.

Having done last season what City are hoping to do currently – gain promotion the season after losing in the playoff final – it’s fair to see Plymouth have endured a tough start to life back in the third tier and the Pilgrims currently sit bottom of the division having mustered only a combined total of goals as that achieved by Reuben Reid so far. Derek Adams’ side has in fact picked up almost as many red cards as goals. Adams too is likely to reshuffle his pack, although one player who will be hoping to feature having been an unused sub in the 2-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on Saturday is Joel Grant, the Jamaican international having swapped red for green over the summer.

The sides have met regularly in this competition in all its guises over the years, hardly surprising given how it has often been regionalised. The last meeting was in 2015/16, when City were soundly beaten 2-0 thanks to goals from recent signing Hiram Boateng and Craig Tanner.

The match officials for this game are:-

Referee: Christopher Sarginson
Assistant Referees: Marke Derrien and Justin Amey
Fourth Official: Breet Huxtable