These two sides are eyeing the play-off places this season but, at the moment, it certainly seems like Exeter City, who sit in 6th, have a much better chance than Blackpool who are currently 14th.
Exeter had been on a fantastic run of seven consecutive league wins and no defeats in 12 until they met Plymouth Argyle in the Devon derby and promptly list 3-0. Exeter have somewhat failed to recover since then and have only picked up two points from their two subsequent games.
Paul Tisdale’s side have managed to find a very good blend of attack and defence with his team scoring an impressive 51 (the best of the four playoff sides) and conceding just 35 – the fourth best in the top seven. However, they have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last three matches, conceding six in the process.
Strangely, the Grecians are much better on their travels than they are at home. Exeter have the best away record in the division with 32 points from 17 but have taken just 18 from 15 home matches. Having said that, this statistic is somewhat blinded from their form a few months ago and it is certainly worth noting that Exeter have won five of their last six matches at St. James’ Park.
Blackpool may sit 14th in the table but, with just five points separating them and the play-off places, they will feel they have a chance of sneaking in if they put a run together. However, that run does not look like it is coming any time soon as the Tangerines have won just one of their last nine league games.
In Blackpool’s Premier League days, we got used to seeing a side who would attack at all costs. Nowadays though, we see the opposite with Gary Bowyer’s men primarily concerned with defensive solidity – as shown by the fact they have the third-best ‘Goals Against’ record in the division. Although they are a defensive side, they certainly aren’t useless in the final third and their record of 45 scored is the second-best of the teams between themselves and the play-offs.
The Tangerines suffered a defeat in their last match away from Bloomfield Road but, prior to that, they had actually been decent on their travels with no defeats in five, conceding just one goal. Overall though, 20 points from 16 matches is not a great return.
Exeter are the favourites here but there is still money to be made. Backing the hosts at 5/4, is too good an opportunity to miss. The hosts are in a good place right now and can continue to go well against a Blackpool side who’ve lost two of their last three on the road.
You can read more from Thomas here.