In Group A of the Southern Section, where all teams are level on three points, Newport County and Exeter City will meet at St James Park on Tuesday in a crucial fixture for progression into the knockout rounds.
The hosts enter this encounter following a 4-2 defeat to Walsall in League Two, while the visitors played out a 1-1 stalemate with Wigan Athletic in the third division.
Read our Newport County vs Exeter City prediction and preview to find out more, and remember to check our other EFL Trophy predictions.
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Newport County vs Exeter City prediction: Stakes could not be higher
Key stats:
- Exeter have won two of their last three visits to Burton (D1).
- The Grecians have recorded three victories in their last four outings across all competitions, scoring at least two goals in those wins.
- Newport have lost nine of their eleven home matches this season (D1, W1).
Correct score prediction: Newport 1-2 Exeter
This encounter is difficult to predict given the high stakes, but the difference in competition levels could be a decisive factor.
On paper, Exeter hold the advantage over their fourth-tier host, and Gary Caldwell’s men are expected to edge this fixture considering their current form as they take on a Newport side that has endured a wretched run throughout the season.
Pre-match analysis: Visitors strongly favoured
- HOME: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- DRAW: 5/2 (3.50) – 28.6%
- AWAY: 10/11 (1.91) – 52.4%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes; subject to change*
The odds indicate Exeter as clear favourites to take the three points, with their 52.4% win probability almost double that of Newport, whose chance stands at 27.8%. A draw is priced at 28.6%.
Our hot tip of over 2.5 goals is priced at 1.75, offering value given Newport’s recent encounters have produced multiple goals.
Most recent H2H: First meeting in three years
The last clash between the two sides was in August 2022, when Newport recorded a 2-1 victory at Exeter in the same competition. However, that remains Newport’s only success in the last seven encounters, with Exeter winning three of the previous meetings in the sequence.
England EFL Trophy 30/08/22
Exeter
Newport County
England League 2 02/04/22
Newport County
Exeter
England League 2 16/10/21
Exeter
Newport County
England League 2 24/04/21
Exeter
Newport County
England League 2 16/02/21
Newport County
Exeter
Newport preview: Nik Tzanev could return in goal
Goalkeeper Nik Tzanev may return between the posts for the Exiles, while defenders James Clarke and Tom Davis could miss out again following their unavailability over the weekend.
Predicted XI: Tzanev (GK), Ogunneye, Evans, Brennan, Driscoll-Glennon, Braybrooke, Antwi, Whitmore, Kamwa, Baker-Richardson & Reindorf
Newport’s last five results:
- 08/11/25: Newport 2-4 Walsall (L)
- 01/11/25: Newport 3-2 Gillingham (W)
- 25/10/25: Harrogate 0-3 Newport (W)
- 18/10/25: Newport 0-2 Cheltenham (L)
- 11/10/25: Accrington 0-1 Newport (W)
Exeter preview: No confirmed absentees
Jack Bycroft is expected to start in goal, meaning first-choice goalkeeper Joe Whitworth will be rested. There are no other confirmed injury absentees, although centre-forward Sonny Cox remains a doubt for this fixture.
The Grecians will be seeking to maintain their recent winning momentum and continue their strong form in League One.
Predicted XI: Bycroft (GK), McMillan, Sweeney, Yfeko, Andrew, McDonald, Oakes, Niskanen, Aitchison, Wareham & Magennis
Exeter’s last five results:
- 08/11/25: Exeter 1-1 Wigan (D)
- 01/11/25: FC Halifax 0-2 Exeter (W)
- 28/10/25: Exeter 4-3 Arsenal U21 (W)
- 23/10/25: Exeter 2-0 Plymouth (W)
- 18/10/25: Stockport County 1-0 Exeter (L)
Player to watch: Jayden Wareham
Jayden Wareham has scored in each of Exeter’s last three outings, including a goal from the bench in the previous EFL Trophy match.
Wareham is expected to start on Tuesday, and all eyes will be on the attacker to see if he can extend his impressive scoring streak and provide the decisive impact for the Grecians.