The News:
This Sunday sees Plymouth Argyle in only their third ever Wembley Final, with this being the first ever in a domestic cup final.
The Pilgrims, currently 1st in League One, are taking on fellow promotion rivals Bolton Wanderers who sit 5th in League One.
Argyle are unbeaten in their last five games against the Whites and will hope to carry on this run at Wembley.
The Greens earlier two visits to Wembley saw contrasting fortunes, the first of which a Division Two Play-Off Final victory against Darlington in 1996 and the later a League Two Play-Off Final defeat to AFC Wimbledon in 2016.
Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher told Argyle TV “For us to get there for only the third time in the club’s history; it’s amazing to be only the third manager to lead this team out there at Wembley Stadium. It’s something I’m just so incredibly proud of.”
Argyle will be backed by over 38,000 members of the Green Army who are making the trip to the West-side of Wembley, with a similar number of Bolton fans expected.
Jamie’s View:
As a life-long Argyle fan it is going to be a great day-out no matter the result, I attended the 2016 Final so all I am hoping for this time round is a goal to celebrate!
Originally, I was against this competition due to the involvement of Premier League Academies, however this trophy has proven a great chance for Argyle to test their youth players whilst also being able to rotate and give game-time to fringe first-team players, so it has been a success.
Having seen Rotherham win the trophy last season then go on to also win promotion I am hoping this is a feat Argyle can repeat.
Room For Disagreement:
Of course, Bolton fans will be hoping it’s their side that goes home with the trophy on Sunday and picks up their second ever EFL Trophy.
Bolton boss Ian Evatt told BWFC iFollow “For the players – I thought they deserve a big day out at Wembley. They’re a great group. They’re so together. The injured ones were here, the lads who have joined us on loan.
“And, most importantly, the fans. They’ve been through so much. We almost lost this club and now to have a Wembley cup final is something to be incredibly proud of.”
Road To The Final:
Plymouth’s road to the final saw them top their group after victories against Bristol Rovers, Swindon Town and Crystal Palace Academy.
They then defeated Charlton, Wimbledon and Bristol Rovers again before a dramatic semi-finals victory against Cheltenham Town.
Bolton also topped their group with victories against Crewe Alexandra, Tranmere Rovers and Leeds United Academy.
They then defeated Barrow, Manchester United Academy and Portsmouth before easily disposing of Accrington Stanley in their respective Semi-Final.
