Grecians have Ex Factor

Sunday January 20, 2008

Exeter City v Oxford United (19.15, Live on Setanta 1)

Prices correct at time of writing (2pm, Wednesday January 16, 2008).

Home 4/5 Draw 9/4 Away 3/1

You'd have to look at the draw price of 9/4 because Exeter amazingly have drawn six of their 12 home games, with five wins and one draw and it wouldn't surprise me if this match ends all square. Oxford have been so disappointing this season and who would have believed that they would be 14th at this stage of the campaign and a long way off getting into the play-offs. If they were to have a resurgence and get into the top five they could yet sneak out of the league but I think they are going to have to start thinking about next season already, which is a frightening thought for a club as big as Oxford, who really should be in a far stronger position than they are.

It's the draws that have cost Exeter and in ninth place they would expect to be far higher than they are in the table. I think at the price I'm going to take Exeter to win, even though it wouldn't surprise me if it was another draw following the 2-2 scoreline between these two sides in September. Oxford have been so disappointing and they've only scored 11 goals away from home in the Blue Square Premier. Only Northwich have scored less on their travels. Exeter to win and the Grecians to win to nil would be my best recommendation for this weekend's live game.

Verdict: Home win

Best Bet: Exeter to win to nil 2/1