It's early days I know but for the winners tommorrow there's the glory of being top of the league, at least until the following day. Both teams have started with a draw then a win. Plymouth were held by Millwall at Home Park last Saturday and then they beat Brighton 2 - 0 at the Withdean in midweek.
By keeping a clean sheet at Brighton they have a goal difference of +2 to our +1.
No team in the "Championship" has managed to win both opening matches. City are looking to hit the top spot at this level for the first time since March 1971.
Plymouth won the 2nd division title least year, they were promoted alongwith our old friends QPR and play off winners Brighton. It's been a mixed start for the three teams. Plymouth have led the way with 4 points. QPR have just one with Brighton Rock bottom with 0 points.
Plymouth lost manager Paul Sturrock to Southampton as last season came to a close. They appointed Bobby Williamson from Hibernian as their new boss. His first game in charge saw Plymouth beat QPR 2 - 0 to secure the league title.
The teams last met at Ninian Park in Feb 2003. A late free kick from Paul Wotton earned the Pilgrims a point and upset the City fans (as you can read here). It all turned out OK in the end as City went on to get promoted.
A late equaliser 4 mins into injury time meant the game at Home Park was a draw in September 2002. City were leading when the board went up to say 3 mins left but the late lapse cost the victory. Report here.
Ironically though the point earned put City on top of the table.
Team news to follow on Friday but it's hoped City will be able to name new signing Jobi McAnuff in the squad (at time of writing we are awaiting final confirmation of his signature).
Plymouth may not contain a squad full of household names but they will a tough team to beat this season. Wigan proved last season that newly promoted teams can make a difference and I suspect Plymouth may cause a few surprises.
City are looking for a second successive home victory. For the Bluebirds to make an impact this season our home form must improve. So far so good with 1 win from 1 game. The rousing second half display that overrun Coventry will be needed again. This time there is the top of the table at stake and a chance to impress the watching TV viewers.
Let's show them Cardiff City mean business.
Cardiff City v Plymouth Argyle.
Friday 13th August 2004. ko 7:45pm.
Live on Sky Sports 3.