Prediction Bristol Rovers vs Plymouth Argyle 2025/2026 – Betting Tips for the EFL Trophy on 11/11/2025

Match context and recent form

The Southern Group stage of the EFL Trophy brings a tasty regional clash to Memorial Stadium as Bristol Rovers host Plymouth Argyle on 11 November 2025. On paper this is a tight encounter: both sides sit on six points from two group games, but the underlying numbers paint Plymouth as the more dangerous side. The Pilgrims have piled up eight goals in the group while conceding just two, and their attacking metrics are impressive — a total of 43 shots with 20 on target and an average of 7.5 corners per match. Bristol Rovers, by contrast, have been efficient in phases but less consistent, recording 29 total shots and nine on target in this competition so far.

Form has been jagged for both clubs in their respective leagues. Bristol Rovers come into this tie after a 0-1 loss to Gillingham and a mixed run shown in their recent sequence, while Plymouth arrive off a 3-1 defeat at Huddersfield Town. Individual match reports highlight Macauley Southam as Bristol Rovers’ standout in the last league outing and Lorent Tolaj as Huddersfield’s best player in the fixture that saw Plymouth beaten. That said, cup competitions often reset expectations and both teams have already demonstrated they can produce goals in this EFL Trophy campaign.

Tactical clues and key stats

Plymouth’s attacking superiority is measurable: more shots, more shots inside the box and a higher rate of shots on target, supported by a greater average of dangerous attacks. Bristol Rovers will rely on home advantage at the compact Memorial Stadium — a venue that has seen tight games — and on set-piece chances backed by their corners average. Both teams have shown the ability to score in cups: the head-to-head friendly from 2024 ended 2-1, underlining that a decisive margin isn’t out of the question. Bookmakers reflect the narrow gap but lean towards the away side: Plymouth are offered at 2.15 for the win, while Bristol Rovers are priced at 3.05 and the draw sits at 3.40.

For readers weighing up markets and timing, it’s worth refreshing on market selection principles — see Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets — and if you like goal-based plays, consider when to strike with insight from The right time to place bets on goal markets.

Betting suggestion (1X2) Plymouth Argyle to win. The numbers favour the visitors: higher volume of shots, more shots on target, superior goal return in the group and marginally cleaner defensive record. Bookmakers price Plymouth as the preferred pick at 2.15; given the data and the tendency for this tie to produce chances, a confident small-stake play on an away win in the 1X2 market is the recommended option.