So we enter the home staight. Four away games and four home games. There are many permeatations for making the play offs. For the moment we just need City to start a run of winning matches and for the others, Preston, Wolves and Palace to faulter.
First then comes a trip to Home Park to face Plymouth Argyle. Managed by Welshman Tony Pulis, the Pilgrims are just 6 points short of the 53 set by Pulis at the start of the season. They are only 8 points behind City and we are still hanging onto a play off hope so in fairness they've done well. They are also one of only three teams to win at Ninian Park this season. The Boxing Day 2 - 0 win for Plymouth was the game that saw darren Purse sent off for a professional foul that earned Plymouth a penalty and their opening goal.
City's travelling support will come under the spotlight after last weeks events at Wolves. Unlike the lack of communication with the West Midlands Police prior to that game the Devon force have been far more accomodating and have been in contact with the club and supporters clubs ahead of our visit. Provisions have been made for away fans to enjoy a drink pre match at locations near the ground and near the station and the bars will be open in the stadium. The situation will be closely monitored and there mght be a chance of a half time pint as well if pre match goes well.
Please, for the sake of the club and the decent travelling fans go and enjoy yourself but don't get into any trouble.
For City it could be a chance for Nsungu to get a start. There is talk that Dave Jones will drop Steve Thompson. Kevin Cooper is also knocking on the door and could come in for Jeff Whitley. With Glenn Loovens fully fit again Neil Cox comes under pressure to peform.
Substitute keeper Martyn Margetson is injured so Dave Jones must decide whether or not to bring in Lee Worgan or risk no sub keeper on the bench. If he goes for the latter option then Darren Purse will fulfil the role if anything happens to Neil Alexander.
Plymouth held Preston in their last home game, prior to that they beat Brighton and Coventry and have no lost in the last 6 home matches. It's not going to be a walkover that's for sure. City will have to improve their recent away form to get something from this game.
Kick off is at 3:00pm on Saturday.