Bristol City and Plymouth Argyle will wrap up their pre-season campaigns on Saturday, August 1, with a double-header that sees the Robins face both Plymouth and Exeter City on the same day.
Bristol City manager Michael Skubala has confirmed he will field two separate teams to maximize playing time for his squad, aiming for 90 minutes for most players across the two fixtures.
The Robins come into the match following a 4-1 victory over Newcastle United on Wednesday, while Plymouth Argyle remain undefeated in pre-season after four wins against non-league opposition.
Bristol City's Squad Plan
Skubala emphasized the importance of conditioning ahead of their Carabao Cup tie against Walsall, saying, "We're really happy about doing that and sharing some moments with fans.
Then, we've got a bit of a plan for Saturday; two teams - if you know what I mean - and two 90 minutes."
He acknowledged the physical challenge of playing two matches in quick succession, noting, "We need to see how we are today and see how they recover, as it is obviously a Wednesday to Saturday."
Bristol City previously split their squad on Wednesday, with a second XI losing 3-2 to Forest Green Rovers while the primary unit beat Newcastle.
Skubala praised the opposition, saying, "We have to be careful, but that's the plan against a very good Plymouth team - I've played Tom Cleverley's team a few times last season.
They'll be tough; they're a different type of opposition - and Matt Taylor's team at Exeter."
The fixture marks a quick return for striker Lorent Tolaj, who joined Bristol City from Plymouth for £4 million earlier this month after scoring 21 goals last season.
Skubala added, "There are no easy games in football, and we've seen that through pre-season; you see that with all the different results.
Newcastle will be saying that after what we've done tonight, so we just have to make sure, fingers crossed, we can get 90 and then come back from it healthy."
Plymouth's Perspective
Plymouth head coach Tom Cleverley welcomed the challenge of facing higher-tier opposition, saying, "We are expecting to see a similar side to the one that beat Newcastle 4-1.
Since Tolly has gone in there they have started scoring goals, which is no surprise."
Cleverley expressed respect for Skubala and acknowledged the financial realities of modern football regarding Tolaj's departure, noting, "You feel for the supporters because you connect to a hero, an idol, and it can be short-lived."
He also highlighted Tolaj's potential, stating, "Just his determination alone to score goals is scary.
He has got a bright future, he has got a high ceiling and for the reasons you probably guess we want him to go and do well."
Plymouth will welcome back defenders Wes Harding, Julio Pleguezuelo, and Brendan Wiredu from injury, but captain Joe Edwards remains sidelined following knee surgery.
Cleverley provided updates on the injured players, saying, "Wes was from the tackle that I wasn't too happy about at Torquay.
I thought it was a very well competed game but I thought that tackle over-stepped the mark and Wes had a small ankle sprain.
He will be alright for this weekend."
He added, "Julio had a planned injection after that Torquay game. He missed Truro but another one who will be available this weekend."
Plymouth will be without Jack MacKenzie and Caleb Watts for the opening weeks of the season due to knee and ankle injuries respectively.
Cleverley said of MacKenzie, "Jack, probably three to four weeks away but working like a machine in the gym.
He really does deserve a break this year because he's the hardest worker at the football club."
Home Park gates open 90 minutes before kick-off, with Plymouth hosting Exeter City in the Carabao Cup first round on August 10 following the pre-season finale.
