It is a winner takes all battle as Exeter City host Bristol Rovers in their final Group M fixture in the EFL Trophy. A win is likely to be good enough to see either team qualify but Exeter have shown some good form in recent weeks and will be full of confidence on Wednesday.
Exeter City overcame Cheltenham Town on penalties in their previous EFL fixture after playing out a 2-2 draw in regulation time. They twice threw away the lead with goals from Colin Daniel and Archie Collins cancelled out by the hosts.
Currently in a three-way tie on three points in the group, a win is likely to be good enough to see Exeter City progress to the next phase of the EFL Trophy. They have won three of their last four matches but were held to a 1-1 draw by Bradford City in an FA Cup first round clash on Sunday.
Matthew Taylor’s men have a good record at St James’ Park, where they are unbeaten in their last five matches and claimed a 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town in their previous home fixture. The problem remains a shaky defence that has conceded five goals in their last three matches in front of their fans.
Bristol Rovers are one of the teams on three points in Group M after claiming a 2-0 victory over Cheltenham Town in their opening fixture. They were beaten 2-1 by Chelsea U21 last time out in the competition with Luke Thomas’ early effort proving to be futile.
Sitting 16th in League Two, Bristol City have not been at their best in recent weeks. Joey Barton’s men travel to Exeter with just one win from their last six matches and were held to a 2-2 draw by Oxford United in the FA Cup first round on Sunday.
Like Exeter, Bristol have also struggled defensively this season and have kept just one clean sheet in their last five matches, conceding eight goals in that run.
How the bookies view it
The bookies have installed Exeter City as favourites with Vbet offering 10/9 for a home win. A victory for Bristol Rovers is valued at 5/2 by BoyleSports while a draw is set at odds of 40/17 by SBK.
Head to head
Exeter City have a 9-6 advantage with six draws from 21 previous matches against Bristol Rovers. They have also won the last two meetings at St James’ Park, including a 4-1 victory in a League Two fixture back in August.
Players to watch
Matthew Jay has been the man in form for Exeter City in recent weeks with five goals in his last six matches. He also netted a brace the last time he faced Bristol Rovers and with the striker leading the line the, the hosts can be backed to score at 24/100 with Vbet.
Brett Pitman often leads the line for Bristol Rovers and has found the net in three of his last four matches. Given Exeter City’s shaky defence and with the striker expected to continue in attack, the visitors are likely to score at 2/5 with Vbet.
Anything else catch the eye
Given the quality in the Exeter City and Bristol Rovers attacks and with both teams unconvincing at the back, goals can be expected here. Over 2.5 goals is priced at 19/20 with SBK, while over 3.5 goals can also be considered at 13/5 with betfair.
Exeter City can also be tipped to earn a win and over 2.5 goals at 5/2 with Skybet.
This EFL Trophy match between Exeter City and Bristol Rovers will be played on Nov 10, 2021 and kick off at 19:00. Check below for our tipsters best Exeter City vs Bristol Rovers prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
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