Adams expects '˜extra edge' in battle with Pompey

More than 11,000 tickets have so far been sold for tomorrow’s rematch between the promotion rivals.

The Pilgrims eliminated Paul Cook’s side from the play-offs last season, only to lose in the final to AFC Wimbledon.

This term they top League Two by five points, following nine wins and a draw in their past 10 league fixtures.

Adams considers Argyle and the Blues as two attack-minded teams keen to pass the ball.

And he’s looking forward to the occasion of their latest meeting.

Adams told the Plymouth Herald: ‘I wouldn’t disagree that this will be our toughest test of the season.

‘But we have had to go away from home to the likes of Notts County, Exeter and Leyton Orient, so we have had tough tests already.

‘This is a big game for both football clubs. They have always been really good atmospheres and both teams will be looking forward to it.

‘There is an extra edge to these games and we want to continue the run we are on.

‘There is going to be a very vocal and big crowd. In the games that we played last year, it was very difficult to think some of the time because the atmosphere was relentless for 90 minutes.

‘I think that’s good for the product of League Two.’

It will be a different Pilgrims side facing Pompey compared to the one who did battle last term.

Only three of the team which started the play-off semi-finals are expected to be in the home line-up this time.

They consist of joint top-scorers Graham Carey and Jake Jervis, plus goalkeeper Luke McCormick.

However, Argyle will again be without midfielder Oscar Threlkeld (knee) and on-loan Bristol City striker Paul-Arnold Garita (hamstring).

Former Pompey defender Sonny Bradley will also be among Adams’ line-up having impressed since his Home Park arrival.

The central defender arrived from Crawley in the summer and scored twice in last weekend’s 2-1 victory at Stevenage.

That took his tally to three goals in 12 matches for the Pilgrims heading into tomorrow’s reunion.

Jervis is another ex-Blues player, scoring five goals in 18 appearances during two Fratton Park spells.

As for the Blues, Adams has clearly done his homework.

He added: ‘Portsmouth have added over the summer. I think they have spent a few transfer fees to take in players.

‘They have strengthened this year from last year.

‘They have played Conor Chaplin up front, and they have got another couple of strikers in there.

‘They have got a good squad and we know that, but so have we.

‘There are a number of my players that have performed on the big stage – in cup finals, European games and international matches as well – so they have got that experience.’