Exeter City will host league leaders Forest Green Rovers at St James Park on Saturday as they aim to pick up their second victory of the season.

Despite sitting at the top of League Two currently, the visitors are currently on a three-game losing streak in all competitions.

Match preview

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Exeter City have been in impressive form over their last four games, with only one defeat in that period which came against Chelsea's Under-21s side in the EFL Trophy.

However, even that loss took place via a penalty shootout after it ended in a 1-1 draw, which is the same scoreline as their most recent outing against Harrogate Town.

The Grecians were brilliant against the West Yorkshire based club, who currently sit second in the league, as they fought from behind with 10 men to earn a point as Josh Key's goal secured a draw.

Exeter will now be hoping that they can once again battle against another of League Two's most dominant sides in Forest Green Rovers, who they finished just three points behind last season.

Neither club was able to pick up a victory against each other during the 2020-21 campaign, with two draws taking place during their league meetings and historically, Forest Green have only managed to beat the Grecians once.

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After missing out on promotion in the playoffs last season, Forest Green are looking to get things done automatically this time around and they have started that journey well so far.

They have won four of their five fixtures in the league and currently sit top of the table, having scored an impressive 13 goals in the process.

However, even though they have been picking up positive results, the Green Devils have struggled defensively, conceding eight goals in the league already, with only 22nd-placed Bristol Rovers having leaked more.

Forest Green also come into the game following three straight defeats, including their loss in League Two against Port Vale, which also marked the first time they have failed to score in a game this season.

Rob Edwards's men were knocked out of the EFL Cup by Premier League side Brentford and they were also beaten in their most recent outing against Northampton Town via penalties in the EFL Trophy.

Team News

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Exeter will be without central midfielder Harry Kite for this game after he was sent off in the recent draw against Harrogate Town, meaning a change will have to take place in the middle of the park.

However, there could be the opportunity for new signing Kyle Taylor to make his debut for the club after he joined from Bournemouth on a three-year deal.

Forest Green will once again be without the services of Udoka Godwin-Malife, who is still recovering from the broken collarbone he sustained earlier this summer.

Josh March was used from the start in the recent loss against Northampton after being on the bench in the previous game, meaning he could be in contention to keep his place and continue leading the line for the Green Devils.

Matt Stevens already has five goals to his name in the league, which will also make him a likely starter in the attack for Edwards's team.

Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Dawson; Sweeney, Ray, Hartridge; Key, Taylor, Dieng, Caprice, Jay; Brown, Amond

Forest Green Rovers possible starting lineup:
McGee; Bernard, Sweeney, Cargill; Allen, Aitchison, Hendry, Stevenson, Wilson; March, Steves

We say: Exeter City 1-1 Forest Green Rovers

Exeter City might be further down the league table right now, but they could look to provide an upset here and continue to heap onto Forest Green's recent misery.

Both teams play impressive football and with the momentum that the Grecians have right now, it is not hard to believe that they could pick up a result, though the Green Devils will be looking to bounce back from their performances of late.

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