Exeter City vs Portsmouth Predictions, Betting Tips, and Match Previews

Betting Tip – Under 2.5 Goals
Correct Score – Portsmouth 1-0

• Seven of the last nine meetings between these two have seen fewer than three goals.
• Exeter are without a win in any of their previous five matches.
• Portsmouth have not conceded a goal in any of their prior three games.

Two sides come into this EFL Trophy match in completely contrasting forms as Exeter City play host to Portsmouth on Friday night.

A tale of two contrasting forms

The hosts had a miserable December as they lost all three of the games they played in the final month of 2021. The League Two outfit haven’t gotten off to the best of starts in 2021 as they were beaten away to Sutton United on New Years Day and followed that up with a 0-0 draw away to top of the table Forest Green Rovers, a match they were somewhat unlucky to not emerge victorious from. They’ve scored just once across their last three matches and it’s not an ideal time for the goals to dry up as they chase a playoff spot. But with their next league game over a week away, they could deploy a strong side here.

Portsmouth come into this one in remarkable form. They’ve tasted defeat just once across their last 13 matches in all competitions, winning eight of those games. They currently sit just outside the playoff places in League One and similarly to Exeter, have over a week to prepare for their next league outing and so will want to secure passage to the next round of the EFL Trophy. Danny Cowley’s men have conceded just two goals across their last six games and will be counting on their resolute backline once again.

Goals in short supply

The winner here will earn a spot in the last 16 and go head-to-head with Cambridge United and we think the League One side can continue their superb form here. We think there will be few chances as both defences look to keep things tight and as a result, maybe a single goal could clinch it. We’re back under 2.5 goals but we also think it will be Portsmouth who will advance to the next round.