Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman wants to upset his mate Ryan Lowe on Saturday – but Plymouth Argyle are in formidable form.
The Pilgrims sit in second place in the League One table and are on a 15-game unbeaten league run, their only loss on the opening day against Rotherham United.
Ryan Hardie is their top scorer with 10 goals and Stanley will be without Colby Bishop, who is suspended for three games following his sending off against Port Vale at the weekend.
“I am good friends with Lowey, he has done really well at Plymouth,” said the Reds boss.
“They have a lot of money to spend but it’s difficult to attract players to that part of the country, just geographically, it’s a lovely place. They have got a great support and they come in their droves when they are doing well, which they are.
“Plymouth pass the ball well, they take their chances, they have defended well this season which always give you a chance.
“If we had defended like they had, in terms of goals going in, we would be near the top as we have scored plenty of goals but they have only conceded around 14 this season in the league and that gives you a platform. They have only lost one and that’s how they have defended and organised themselves.
“One of my good friends, Brendan Grant, his son, Conor, also plays for them so it adds a bit of spice. I have known Conor since he was a baby and he is a great footballer and a nice lad.
“I am looking forward to the game, we have a couple of great games with them last year. I am looking forward to seeing Lowey and Conor as well and I hope it goes in our favour and it’s a good game.
“We have usually done well this season against the bigger teams. We are close to being a good team, the lads feel that, you always strive to be better.”
Stanley have had a mixed week – a disappointing Emirates FA Cup exit to Port Vale on Saturday was followed by a stunning performance against Fleetwood in the Papa John’s Trophy on Tuesday and then an Under 23s victory at Huddersfield yesterday.
“It was an impressive reserve performance at Huddersfield and that means I have got decisions to make all over the park, I have got players keen to play.
“Someone’s misfortune opens the door for someone else to try and stake a claim for a place.
“Colby will be a miss as he is a top player at this level but we have other players, we are not a one-man team.”
Coleman admits he is frustrated as he looks for some consistency from his side.
“You look at the last few games and it’s all about putting the ball in the net, and it’s such a big influence on the way the game changes by scoring or going behind, it’s so crucial.
“Thankfully we put away our chances on Tuesday, we didn’t put easier chances away on Saturday. That’s the beauty of football. The team who plays the best doesn’t always win, that’s why you get upset.
“But the team who plays the best throughout the season generally wins the league as consistently you win more games than you don’t if you play well.”
Bishop is suspended and Matt Butcher and Joe Pritchard remain on the sidelines. Sean McConville returned to training after illness while David Morgan is touch and go after going over on his ankle in training.
The full pre-match interview video with John Coleman is available to watch on the club's official YouTube channel, CLICK HERE to find out more!