Plymouth Argyle vs Exeter City prediction, preview & betting tips – 10/08/2026

Plymouth Argyle and Exeter City begin their 2026/27 campaigns on Monday night when they meet in the first round of the EFL Cup in the Devon Derby.

The Grecians, now a League Two side, travel down the Devon Expressway for the clash at Home Park, with Plymouth heading into the contest unbeaten across their six pre-season friendlies.

Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.

Plymouth Arygle v Exeter City key stats

• Plymouth have found the net in each of their last 11 home games against Exeter at Home Park.
• The Pilgrims have won seven of their previous 11 meetings with their Devon rivals.
• Cleverley's side come into the match unbeaten across their six pre-season friendlies.
• Exeter return to League Two after four seasons in the third tier.

Plymouth Argyle v Exeter City preview: Can the Pilgrims claim Devon Derby bragging rights?

After narrowly missing out on the League One playoffs last season, Plymouth Argyle will be hoping to make a strong start to their 2026/27 campaign when they welcome Exeter City to Home Park in the first round of the Carabao Cup.

The Pilgrims finished seventh in League One last season, missing out on the top six by just two points, but they head into this Devon Derby with plenty of confidence after winning five and drawing one of their six pre-season friendlies.

Monday's contest will be the second meeting between the sides in 2026, with Exeter claiming a 2-0 victory at St James Park before Plymouth earned a 2-2 draw when the teams met at Home Park in April.

The Grecians, meanwhile, are preparing for life in League Two after being relegated from the third tier last season.

Exeter endured a difficult campaign, collecting just 49 points from their 46 League One matches to finish 21st, while their pre-season preparations have also been underwhelming, with just one win from four friendlies.

However, the visitors will take confidence from their recent record against Plymouth and will be looking to claim another Devon Derby victory to begin their new campaign on a positive note.

Whispers predicts: Plymouth Argyle 3-1 Exeter City

Despite Exeter's recent record against their Devon rivals, Plymouth look the stronger side heading into Monday's Carabao Cup clash, with the Pilgrims priced at 1/2 to win.

With Plymouth scoring freely during pre-season and Exeter conceding in their last three friendlies, over 2.5 goals is priced at 8/15.

For those looking for a bigger price, a 3-1 Plymouth victory is available at 10/1.

England League 1 11/04/26

Plymouth

2

Exeter

2

England League 1 23/10/25

Exeter

2

Plymouth

0

England League 1 15/04/23

Exeter

0

Plymouth

1

England League 1 31/10/22

Plymouth

4

Exeter

2