The early kickoff in League One on Saturday sees Exeter City welcome Lincoln City to St James Park.
Both teams are in playoff contention, but it is Michael Skubala's men who currently have the advantage in the league standings ahead of this trip to Devon.
Match preview
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A fine run of form, where Exeter have taken 16 points from a possible 24, has lifted them up the table and within touching distance of the playoff places with roughly one-third of the season played.
In all competitions, the Grecians record is even more impressive, with eight wins from their last 11 games, making up for a sluggish start that saw them take just six points from their first five, and crash out of the EFL Cup at the first hurdle.
The FA Cup and EFL Trophy have played a role in their high morale, as Gary Caldwell's men beat Barnet 5-3 to reach the second round of the former, while they topped their group in the latter by beating Bristol Rovers 3-2 at the end of October.
Another victory came their way at the weekend, when Charlton Athletic were seen off by a solitary goal at St James Park, an occurrence that has happened regularly for Exeter this season.
Exeter have scored just 14 goals in their 13 League One games so far - only three have scored fewer and two of those sides are in the relegation zone - but they are arguably the most efficient team in the division.
It is no surprise Caldwell's backline has the best defensive record in the league, having kept a very impressive eight clean sheets so far, and that is the reason why they are just two points off sixth.
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Lincoln will provide a stern challenge though, considering they currently occupy one of the playoff spots, and that Exeter have beaten them only once in six attempts since getting the better of them in the 2018 League Two playoffs.
Like their hosts, Lincoln also bring excellent form into this one, having gone unbeaten in five games - winning four - and Skubala will be pleased with their position in fifth, one point above Stockport County, who have played a game more.
Coming from behind to earn a point at Bristol Rovers last weekend thanks to Jack Moylan's goal ensured that unbeaten run continued, and a very impressive showing from their second-string side in midweek saw them thrash Manchester City's Under-21s 5-0.
The Imps are a dangerous team on their travels, having lost just one of their seven league games away from home so far, and they will hope they can extend that run here with very challenging games on the horizon in their next two, against league leaders Wycombe Wanderers, and promotion favourites Wrexham.
Team News
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Exeter were able to welcome Caleb Watts back to the matchday squad last week, but the Australian midfielder was an unused sub, as the club look to ease him back into action after many setbacks recently.
Vinnie Harper and Amani Richards are also closing in on a return, but Johnly Yfeko is still on the sidelines, while Yanic Wildschut and Pat Jones are yet to feature this season.
Lincoln's Dylan Duffy made positive progress in his recovery, playing 45 minutes in the EFL Trophy win in midweek, after spending two months out injured.
Tom Bayliss and Adam Jackson remain out though, and manager Skubala may have to wait a little longer before Ethan Erhahon and Thomas Hamer make their returns.
Dutch defender Lewis Montsma quickly recovered from a minor setback to play 90 minutes last weekend, and was unsurprisingly given a rest in midweek, as he is expected to feature again in a back three for the visitors.
Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Whitworth; McMillan, Sweeney, Crama, Purrington, Niskanen; Aitchison, Woods, Francis; Alli, Magennis
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Wickens; Montsma, O'Connor, Roughan; Darikwa, McGrandles, Hamilton, Jefferies, Hackett-Fairchild; Cadamarteri, House
We say: Exeter City 0-0 Lincoln City
Exeter are the masters of pragmatism in League One, being near the bottom of the scoring charts but fighting for a playoff spot, with eight clean sheets from 13 league games so far.
However, Lincoln are very strong on the road, with just one league defeat away from home this season, meaning this encounter should be extremely tight and tough to call.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Andrew Delaney
