The FA Cup, not only the start of a possible journey but, for Blackpool at least, a chance to consolidate that midweek victory, following it up with progression to Round Two. The only thing that stands in the way is Exeter City, and what an inconvenience that is. Exeter, having lost against the Seasiders in the League Two Playoff Final a year and a half ago, will be looking to return the favour with interest, having failed to vacate League Two, despite making the Playoffs again last Season.
It is sure to be a hotly contested cup match and one that nobody can predict.
See the Full Draw:
https://theblackpoolblog.wixsite.com/theblackpoolblog/home/fa-cup-round-1-draw
Injuries and Suspensions:
For Exeter Troy Brown is out injured, making a change to the centre back partnership, and Dean Moxey is suspended.
The Seasiders will be without Gnanduillet who, after completing his original three match ban, will miss a further match due to the FA pressing a case against him due to his reaction in the tunnel and has been fined two thousand pounds. Jimmy Ryan also remains out of action.
Exeter City FC:
The Grecians, who have been in League Two since 2012, have been left frustrated in recent years. Paul Tisdale, having refused to sign a new contract with the club after 12 years, was replaced by Matt Taylor and he has showed no sign of halting the team's rapid progression in recent times. This season they are placed 5th, just 7 points off the top and 2 points off the automatic promotion spots, but recent form has been somewhat sluggish. They have tasted victory just once in their last 6 matches, but the FA Cup gives them the chance to rediscover their previous form to cement their place in the top 7.
Defensively sound and lethal going forward, Exeter are a great advertisement for League Two football and will be far from easy to beat having scored 1.53 goals per game on average, a stat that is enhanced by the likes of a 5-1 annihilation of Notts County, and conceded just 1 at the other end of the pitch. Their quality can not be questioned, with names such as Sweeney, Forte and star man Stockley, who has scored 9 goals this season, all enhancing what is already a strong squad. Stockley is the man that Blackpool will be look to keep silent, if they are to escape St James' Park with their name in the hat.
Anything can happen in the FA Cup and anything can happen for Blackpool. Whether its a replication of their Carabao Cup run or a bitter taste of déjà vu from last year, with remnants of Boreham Wood still linguering, St James' Park is where it is all going to start... or end.
UTP
Prediction - 1-2
Last Meeting:
Last time in Round 1:
McPhillips Preview:
Betting:
https://www.oddschecker.com/football/english/fa-cup/exeter-v-blackpool/winner
Other Links:
https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/
https://twitter.com/OfficialECFC
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcGc3MFnRh4EI1Mv3CFX3Xg
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