Next Up: Exeter City vs Port Vale

City remained consistently inconsistent last week, going down 1-0 at Rotherham, and Gary Caldwell will be hoping this form continues for exactly one more match against a side that has struggled so far on their return to the third tier. All three deadline day signings made an appearance in Yorkshire with Danny Andrew starting on the left of defence as expected and Akeel Higgins and Carlos Mendes Gomes coming off the bench – all three will continue to press for a start although Caldwell may be reticent about making too many changes, with the midweek EFL Trophy game looming as an opportunity to get match time into the fringe players.

Having bounced back at the first attempt, Port Vale have been something of a cup side so far with no wins in the league offsetting impressive wins in the EFL Cup – where a mouthwatering tie with Arsenal is up next – and a thrashing of Leeds’ youngsters in the EFL Trophy last week. Darren Moore will be hoping this cup form starts to translate to league wins to try to pull away from the bottom of the table, with two signings on deadline day in Devante (son of Andy) Cole and George Hall. Cole scored on his debut, a 2-3 home reverse against Leyton Orient. Former City striker Jayden Stockley started the first two matches of the season but has been out ever since.

The last time the sides met was two seasons ago, with the visitors claiming the spoils on both occasions. The corresponding fixture was during City’s desperate spell before Christmas and City’s misery was compounded with a 1-0 defeat through Oliver Arblaster. Will Aimson’s red card late on piled on the misery. City were in much better fettle by April, although relegation-threatened Port Vale raced into a 2-0 lead at half time (Chislett, Dipepa). City roared back in the second half through Alli (2), Jules and Harris to win 4-2. As a result the league head to head is still tilted in the Valiants’ favour, 26-20 with 12 draws.

The match officials for this game will be:_

Referee: Matthew Russell
Assistant Referee: Jack Clench and Adam Ricketts
Fourth Official: Alan Dale

Matthew Russell has taken charge of three Exeter games last season, the 2-1 win away at Bristol Rovers in League One, the 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers in the EFL Trophy in October, and the 4-4 draw in December at home to Crawley.

Interview with Gary Caldwell

Interview with Ed Turns