Exciting newly promoted battle in early kick-off
Forest Green Rovers take on Exeter City live on Sky Sports this Saturday lunchtime.
League One steps up to the centre stage in English domestic football during the international break and that will be a huge positive for a small club in the third tier like Forest Green.
These two won automatic promotion from League Two last season, with the hosts pipping the Grecians to the fourth tier title in the final game.
However, Exeter have made a far more promising start this season, with the Green still potentially feeling the losses of some key individuals.
Ebou Adams, Kane Wilson and Nicky Cadden were all key players in Rovers cementing their position in the top three last season, and their manager Rob Edwards swiftly departed for Watford to be replaced by Ian Burchnall.
Process
Exeter were one of the early surprise packages after a slow summer transfer window, and the Grecians have scored 12 goals from their opening nine games.
Their form has slowed in the last month or so, with rock bottom Burton Albion going to St James Park and picking up their first win of the season at the weekend.
Exeter rank tenth for attacking process, creating chances equating to 13.2 expected goals (xG), compared to Forest Green’s 8.1, which has them second bottom in the third tier.
The hosts have underperformed unsustainably to concede 18 goals from 14.0 xGA this term, and they are yet to keep a clean sheet since promotion.
Matt Taylor and Exeter will still be a little disappointed that they were not able to clinch the title at the back end of last term, and should take confidence to The New Lawn from some of their eye-catching performances so far this season.
Goals?
Goals may well be on the agenda as Exeter look to bounce back from last weekend, and the Green may well be susceptible on the counter attack, with the way they like to play under Burchnall.
FGR have scored in six of ten.
FGR have conceded in all of their last ten.
FGR have seen both teams score in six of ten.
FGR have seen over 2.5 goals in seven of ten.
Exeter have scored in six of ten.
Exeter have conceded in six of ten.
Exeter have seen both teams score in four of ten.
Exeter have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
4-0 Exeter City, Jevani Brown hat-trick.