It is League Two against League One in the first round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night as Cheltenham welcome Exeter to Whaddon Road. The winner of the tie will book themselves a place in the second round of the competition, where they could potentially be rewarded with a game against a team from the Premier League.
Both teams had contrasting results over this weekend's English Football League (EFL) action, with Cheltenham losing 2-0 at home to Chesterfield, while Exeter were victorious 4-1 against Blackpool on home soil. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see how both sides line up, with league action set to continue next weekend.
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Cheltenham vs Exeter prediction: Visitors to emerge victorious?
Key stats
- Cheltenham are winless in three games in total in all competitions.
- Exeter have lost just once in six matches across all competitions.
- Exeter have won the previous two H2Hs.
Correct score prediction: Cheltenham 0-2 Exeter
Given that they are in a higher division and are in better form heading into this clash, we are expecting Exeter to come away with victory and progress into the next round. Cheltenham have not scored in any of their previous three games either, so the away side should also be confident of keeping a clean sheet.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Exeter installed as favourites by bookmakers
- HOME: 19/10 (2.90) – 34.5%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 13/10 (2.30) – 43.5%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
As shown by the implied probabilities, Exeter have been installed as favourites with bookmakers to win on their travels and progress into the second round. A Cheltenham victory on home turf can be backed at just under 35%, while a draw in normal time is rated at just under 30%.
Also, feel free to check out our dedicated Football Betting Tips Today page.
Most recent H2Hs: Exeter aiming for three in a row
As mentioned before, Exeter have won the last two H2Hs between the two sides. However, Cheltenham won the two meetings prior, which should give the hosts at least a little bit on encouragement heading into this one.
England League 1 01/04/24
Cheltenham
Exeter
England League 1 16/09/23
Exeter
Cheltenham
England League 1 18/03/23
Cheltenham
Exeter
England League 1 20/08/22
Exeter
Cheltenham
England EFL Cup 09/08/22
Cheltenham
Exeter
Cheltenham preview: Bickerstaff to make full debut?
Cheltenham could hand Wrexham loanee Jake Bickerstaff his full debut on Wednesday night, while other new signings George Harmon and Jakubas Mazionis could also be used from the start. Taine Anderson is set to miss out though after sustaining an injury against Chesterfield last time out.
Predicted lineup: Day (GK), Wilson, Harmon, Mazionis, Jude-Boyd, Tustin, Young, Thomas, Archer, Miller & Bickerstaff
England League 2 03/05/25
L
Bromley
3
Cheltenham
0
England League 2 26/04/25
W
Carlisle
2
Cheltenham
3
England League 2 21/04/25
W
Notts County
1
Cheltenham
2
England League 2 18/04/25
D
Gillingham
1
Cheltenham
1
England League 2 10/04/25
W
Crewe
2
Cheltenham
3
Exeter preview: A number of injury problems
Exeter are expected to be without as many as five players due to injury for this match. Pedro Borges, Andrew Oluwabori, Ryan Rydel, Patrick Sweeney and Johnly Yfeko are all expected to be on the sidelines for the visitors.
Predicted lineup: Whitworth (GK), Turns, Fitzwater, Swinkels, Niskanen, Cole, Doyle-Hayes, McMillan, Aitchison, Wareham & Brierley
England League 1 03/05/25
L
Mansfield
3
Exeter
0
England League 1 26/04/25
W
Huddersfield
1
Exeter
3
England League 1 21/04/25
L
Crawley Town
3
Exeter
1
England League 1 18/04/25
D
Burton Albion
0
Exeter
0
England League 1 12/04/25
W
Bristol Rovers
1
Exeter
2
Player to watch: Reece Cole
Reece Cole set Exeter on their way to victory against Blackpool last time out, scoring the opening goal and then setting up the second one in an eventual 4-1 win on home soil. He also got himself on the scoresheet in the last H2H against Cheltenham, a 2-1 away win for Exeter in April 2024.