Chances will come for organised Tractor Boys
Exeter City have been a wonderful addition to League One this season and will likely show a lot of bravery in taking on Ipswich Town on Saturday.
The Tractor Boys are third tier title favourites for many, but you can guarantee that the Grecians will not show them any respect and take the game to them at St James Park.
Exeter were 2-1 down at home to Peterborough United heading into the 86th minute last time out, and went on to turn it around spectacularly to claim a memorable 3-2 victory.
The early signs have been positive at the beginning of Gary Caldwell’s reign in Devon, after many were underwhelmed by the appointment, but they have been leaky at the back at times, as a symptom of their attacking style of play.
The Grecians look to make overloads in the final third and for that reason they can be vulnerable in transition, which is something that could play into Ipswich’s hands.
Process
Both sides are unsustainably overperforming in the final third, Exeter’s forward line of Jay Stansfield, Sam Nombe, Jevani Brown, and Matt Jay to throw into that, will be a handful, but Kieran McKenna arguably has the best defence in the league to contain them.
The Grecians have conceded 27 goals from 14.3 expected goals (xG) against, leading to some concerns around the performances of Jamal Blackman between the sticks, but the process suggests that they will become a little more solid as the season goes on.
It feels like Exeter’s refreshing attitude will play into Ipswich’s hands, and they could be cast aside as they were in away trips to Charlton Athletic and Plymouth Argyle in the recent past.
The Tractor Boys will be aiming to bounce back after a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Cheltenham Town last time out.
Goals?
Goals are typically on the cards in Exeter matches, but up against such a well drilled backline, I am more enticed by an outright play.
Exeter have scored in nine of ten.
Exeter have conceded in eight of ten.
Exeter have seen both teams score in eight of ten.
Exeter have seen over 2.5 goals in eight of ten.
Ipswich have scored in eight of ten.
Ipswich have conceded in seven of ten.
Ipswich have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Ipswich have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-0 Ipswich, comfortable winner.