City’s positive start to the season continued with victory over Swindon in the EFL Trophy and, after the international break, Gary Caldwell’s side embark on another trip to the north west having recorded a surprise 2-0 win at Bolton in their last league match a fortnight ago. The time off will have given players like Reece Cole time to shake off their knocks, while a couple of first teamers were in action for the U21s on Wednesday night in the 2-1 win over Norwich U21s.
It has been a mixed season so far for Blackpool – great in the cups but poor in the league – something which has seen an early change of manager. The Seasiders looked to a vastly experienced head to help them back up the table, with Steve Bruce set to be in the dugout for the first time on Saturday. Hughes inherits a side that contains players of proven experience like Jordan Rhodes, although fellow new signing Ashley Fletcher will be suspended. Rhodes has been seen mainly from the bench but netted in the 4-1 win over Crewe in the EFL Trophy in their last match, but Kyle Joseph with two league goals is likely to get the start.
Last season saw Blackpool take four points from this fixture – the corresponding match was a relatively comfortable 2-0 win thanks to a double from Albie Morgan. The match at the Park finished 0-0 albeit one that entertained the fans. City have to go back to the “great escape” season of 00/01 for their last win in this fixture, a 2-0 win with goals from Steve Flack and Gary Birch – a record that means Blackpool have the league head to head lead with eight wins to City’s four, six matches finishing level.
The match officials for this game will be:-
Referee: Ross Joyce
Assistant Referees: Mark Cunliffe and Samuel Clayton
Fourth Official : Stuart Morland
Ross Joyce last refereed Exeter last December away at Stevenage. The game finished 1-1, but Jack Aitchison got himself sent off. His record last season was 38 games, with 167 yellow cards and 9 red cards.
Exeter City will be playing in their blue away kit.
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Interview with manager Gary Caldwell
Interview with Pierce Sweeney
