Published: 19/03/2010 13:46 -
Updated: 19/03/2010 13:49
The Blues have had mixed fortunes against Albion this season. Back in September Bedford were more than convincing when they thumped Plymouth 38-3 down at Brickfields. However, when the Devon outfit came to Goldington Road just before Christmas they picked up an important win as they pipped the Blues 16-19.
There is no doubt that Bedford will want to avenge that defeat, but everyone knows that home form is going to be crucial in the play-offs and Plymouth certainly won't be giving the Blues an inch come 3pm on Saturday.
Director of rugby Mike Rayer has the advantage of a near-fully fit squad with the only exception apart from Mike Guess being Ollie Dodge who injured his sternum against Rotherham last weekend. The injury is expected to keep the winger out for two weeks.
Looking ahead to the game Rayer said: "We know that it is important to get off to a flying start in the play-offs but we also have to pay Plymouth a lot of respect as we head down to Brickfields on Saturday.
"Plymouth were one of the teams who were hovering over the relegation places but they have shown in recent weeks, just as they did against us in December, that they have the players who can put in the performances.
"Their result against Doncaster last week was huge and if it hadn't have been for a missed penalty at the end of the game then Plymouth would have finished seventh in the table.
"That said, I was also pleased with our performance against Rotherham last Saturday. We knew that Roth were going to throw everything including the kitchen sink at us and that is exactly what they did. But full credit to the lads, they soaked it all in and ensured that we picked up the win against a very strong Rotherham team.
"The boys have trained well all week and I think that we are fully prepared for the task ahead this weekend and I hope to see our hard work pay off."
Starting line-up:
15. James Pritchard
14. Luke Fielden
13. Brendan Burke
12. Ian Vass
11. Duncan Taylor
10. Myles Dorrian
9. Will Chudley
1. Sam Walsh
2. Dan Richmond (c)
3. Dan Seal
4. Paul Tupai
5. Alex Rae
6. Gregor Gillanders
7. Ben Lewitt
8. Chris Goodman
Replacements: 16. Chris Locke, 17. Phil Boulton, 18. Mike Howard, 19. Sacha Harding, 20. Nick Walshe, 21. Brad Davies, 22. Ian Davey.
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