Exeter City will be aiming to end a run of six straight defeats in all competitions when they resume their League One campaign at home to Lincoln City on Saturday afternoon.
The Grecians are currently down in 18th position in the League One table, having picked up 16 points from their first 14 matches, while Lincoln are ninth, collecting 21 points from their opening 13 games.
Match preview
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Exeter finished 14th in League One last season on their return to the third tier of English football, and they will be bidding to consolidate back at this level following their lengthy stay in League Two.
The Grecians showed plenty of positive signs in the early weeks of the 2023-24 campaign, actually winning six of their first eight games in all competitions, but their recent form has been concerning to say the least.
Indeed, Gary Caldwell's side have lost each of their last six matches in all competitions, while they have also been beaten in their last six in the league - including a 2-0 reverse at Derby County on Tuesday - with their last victory in the league coming in the middle of September against Cheltenham Town.
The disappointing run of form has seen Exeter drop into 18th position in the table, boasting 16 points from 14 matches courtesy of a record of five wins, one draw and eight defeats.
It is fortunate that the team were impressive early in the season, otherwise they would certainly be in the relegation zone at this stage of proceedings, and it is up to Caldwell and his staff to put things right.
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Lincoln, meanwhile, currently do not have a permanent manager at the helm, with first-team coach Tom Shaw filling-in on an interim basis since the sacking of Mark Kennedy on October 18.
Shaw has made a perfect start to life as manager of the Imps, guiding the team to successive victories over Fleetwood Town and Charlton Athletic to help them climb the table.
Lincoln are now ninth in League One, picking up 21 points from their opening 13 matches of the campaign, and they are just two points off the playoff positions in England's third tier.
The Imps have finished 17th and 11th in their last two seasons at this level of football, but they will be eyeing a potential playoff spot this term, and it will be interesting to see whether Shaw becomes a candidate for the managerial role if he continues to pick up positive results.
Lincoln have only won one of their last six matches against Exeter, all of which have been in League Two, while they suffered a 2-1 defeat in the corresponding game last season.
Team News
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Exeter head coach Caldwell said after the loss to Derby that he 'still believes in this group of players', suggesting that widespread changes are unlikely for this game.
The Grecians were top of League One last month, but their lack of goals this season is a concern, only managing 11 in 14 matches. That said, Admiral Muskwe should continue through the middle, with the 25-year-old seeking his first league effort of the campaign.
There could be a change on the left, though, with Caleb Watts battling to come into the side, which could mean that Zak Jules drops down to the bench this weekend.
Having not suffered any fresh issues against Charlton on Tuesday, it seems likely that it could be a case of same again for Lincoln in this contest.
Hakeeb Adelakun scored twice in the team's 3-1 success last time out, and he is set to continue in an advanced area, with Lasse Sorensen also being asked to play further forward.
Jack Vale is perhaps the player pushing hardest to break into the XI for Saturday's contest, but the Welshman is again likely to be on the bench for the first whistle this weekend.
Exeter City possible starting lineup:
Sinisalo; Aimson, Fitzwater, Hartridge; Harper, Carroll, Trevitt, Watts; Aitchison, Muskwe, D Mitchell
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Jensen; A Mitchell, Jackson, O'Connor; Burroughs, Hamilton, Erhahon, Roughan; Sorensen, Adelakun, Smith
We say: Exeter City 1-1 Lincoln City
Exeter are a lot better than they have shown of late, and we are backing their run of defeats to come to an end this weekend. Lincoln will be seeking a third straight win under their interim head coach, but Exeter should be good enough to claim a share of the spoils on Saturday afternoon.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Matt Law
