PREVIEW: Exeter City v Swindon Town

Exeter City return to St. James Park boosted by a good performance at Charlton on Saturday. This match against South West counterparts Swindon Town is the first of three home matches in the next seven days. This is the first league meeting between the two sides since 1986, although we have met in cup competitions since then.

Our visitors sit just outside the play-offs in eight position after a good start to the season, having remained unbeaten after a crushing 5-0 defeat at Gillingham on the opening day.

Exeter City Team News:

Grecians keeper Paul Jones is quickly returning to fitness and is expected to be in contention to start against Swindon. Striker Ben Watson was included in the squad for Saturday`s 2-1 defeat at Charlton, and could feature from the bench in this match.

On loan striker Stuart Fleetwood is likely to return to the starting eleven after he was ineligible for the match against parent club Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

Player to watch: Craig Noone

Has only featured three times for the Grecians after his loan move from Plymouth Argyle, but the winger has already made such an impression, and gives the team an extra dimension.

Swindon Town Team News:

Lee Peacock could feature after injury, but Alan O`Brien is ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Player to watch: Jonathon Douglas

Douglas was signed from Leeds United in the summer, and has made a good impression so far for his new side.

He has won eight caps for the Republic of Ireland

Match Facts & Stats

Last Meetings:

The two sides haven`t met in the league since 1986, when Swindon completed the double over us. However, we have met twice in cup competitions since then. In 2000, Swindon beat us 3-2 over two legs in the first round of the league cup, and most recently in 2004 Town won 2-1 at St. James Park in the Football League Trophy.

Overall Head to Head: Exeter – 21 wins
Swindon – 38 wins
21 Draws

Match Prediction:

I anticipate this to be a closely fought affair. My heart says a narrow 2-1 victory for the Grecians, but my head says a 1-1 draw.

Next Fixtures:

Saturday 3rd October
Coca Cola League 1
Exeter City v Hartlepool United
St James Park
15.00