FA Cup preview and odds: Exeter City vs Liverpool

Published on: 07/01/2016

FA Cup preview and odds: Exeter City vs Liverpool

January 8, 2015 19:55pm - St James Park

FA Cup Third Round

Exeter City will attempt to cause an upset in the third round of the FA Cup on Friday when they welcome an injury-ravaged Liverpool side to St James Park.

Exeter face Reds for second time in five years

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale is the second-longest serving manager (behind Arsene Wenger) in the top-four tiers of English football, having served nearly 10 years at the helm of the West Country side. On Friday he will lead his side out against five-time European champions Liverpool for the second time in five years, having previously faced them in the League Cup back in 2011. On that occasion, the Reds ran out 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Luis Suarez, Andy Carroll and Maxi Rodriguez.

The Grecians are currently in 16th place in League Two but remain closer to the play-off positions than the relegation zone. However, they come into this game on the back of four straight defeats in the league. Prior to that, they had been beaten just twice in 11 games.

Liverpool looking for second cup triumph of the week

Having already beaten Stoke City in the first-leg of the League Cup semi-final this week, Liverpool will be hoping for more cup joy when they make the long journey south to face League two minnows Exeter. However, their cause has not been helped by a shocking run of injuries that has left them with a threadbare squad ahead of this game.

With 11 players on the side-lines, the Reds could be forced to field some inexperienced players and play others out of position on Friday night.

Team news

Exeter could be without David Wheeler who is struggling with a fott injury, while Christian Ribeiro, David Noble and Jamie McAllister are all doubtful. Christy Pym, Ryan Harley and Will Hoskins will all definitely be missing for the South West team.

Liverpools injury problems have been well documented with 11 players now in the treatment room. The lastest casualties are Philippe Countinho and Dejan Lovren who both limped off against Stoke.

Recent form (League)

Exeter City: LLLLD

Liverpool: LWWLD

Betting odds and tips

Exeter have vowed to go on the attack against a Liverpool side that could have an unfamiliar look thanks to the current Anfield injury crisis. Despite their injury problems, Liverpool should have enough talent in their starting XI to find a way past the League Two side. The away win can be backed at 4/9 with Bet365.

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Ibe has scored in his last two cup appearances and can be backed at 21/10 to find the net anytime with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 07/01/2016

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (07/01/2016 14:23:21) but are subject to change.