Huddersfield tie a ‘free hit’ for Argyle – Lowe

RYAN Lowe has described the FA Cup third round tie away to Championship club Huddersfield Town this evening as ‘a free hit’ for Plymouth Argyle.

The behind-closed-doors match at the John Smith’s Stadium, which kicks off at 6pm, sees the Pilgrims take a break from League One action.

Argyle have reached the third round of the world’s famous domestic cup competition for the first time since 2017.

They have done so with wins away to Charlton Athletic (1-0) and at home to Lincoln City (2-0).

Huddersfield, under their head coach Carlos Corberan, are 13th in the Championship.

The Spaniard was previously the first team coach at Leeds United for Marcelo Bielsa until his appointment by the Terriers in July.

Lowe said: “We are looking forward to it. It’s a bit of a free hit for us, in terms of away from the league and playing against tough opposition in Huddersfield.

“The coach has gone from Leeds to there so they will try to implement the Bielsa way.

“It’s one we are relishing. It’s an opportunity to test ourselves against a good Championship team.”

Lowe expects Huddersfield to play in a similar style to that of Leeds, who have earned a lot of plaudits on their return to the Premier League this season.

“It’s a bit different but they try to play the right way,” said Lowe. “They man mark all over the pitch.

“It’s a real test for me as a manager and my coaching staff of how they (Huddersfield) adapt, what they do and how they go about it.

“Whether he (Corberan) makes a few changes or not, it’s irrelevant. I think the philosophy and style of play will stay the same.

“It will be the first time we have come up against that type.”

Corberan is expected to make a number of changes to his side for the tie in order to give some fringe players a chance to get game-time.

There could be a debut for winger Rolando Arrons, who was signed from Newcastle United on Thursday.

Lowe said: “For me, they are all good players - Championship level certainly and probably above one or two of them.

“We know it’s a tough ask going there because of the way they are and the style of play but it’s one we are relishing. Whatever team they decide to pick, that’s his choice.”

While League One is clearly the priority, Lowe is determined that Argyle make the most out of being in the FA Cup.

He said: “I have always wanted to get as far as I possibly can in the FA Cup.

“I’m not saying Huddersfield are not a big hitter because they are a big club in the Championship and have been in the Premier League.

“But as a manager and as a club like Plymouth Argyle you want to get the big Premier League teams.

“You know you are never going to win the FA Cup but it’s nice to get a big hitter, a good day-out and so on, and then get yourself back concentrating on the league.

“As I say, it’s a free hit for us, we are going there full of confidence and we are in decent form.”

There are no replays in the FA Cup this season because of the condensed fixture schedule but Lowe insisted his approach was never to go into a game with the aim of getting a draw in it.

Lowe said: “We look to win. We have probably found ourselves bitten a few times this season because we want to win every game.

“That’s just the way we are. We are going there (to Huddersfield) to try and win, as well as they are trying to beat us.”