Colchester v Exeter | League Two playoff semi-final first leg tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Colchester v Exeter in the Sky Bet League Two playoffs semi-final first leg on Thursday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Main Event, 5.15pm Thursday

Best bets

Draw & both teams to score
1pt 15-4 bet365

Team news

Colchester
Colchester have a full-strength squad to choose from.

Exeter
Winger Jack Sparkes remains sidelined.

Match preview

Exeter have been beaten in the Sky Bet League Two playoff final in two of the last three seasons and they can put themselves in a commanding position to book another Wembley appearance with a semi-final first-leg draw at Colchester.

The Grecians’ recent playoff experience would usually be seen as an advantage but these are unfamiliar circumstances and whichever team adapts best to the fresh challenges they are faced with post-lockdown should prevail.

The teams are unlikely to be fully wound-up following a three-month break and with that in mind there is every reason to expect a close contest.

Colchester and Exeter shared the spoils in both League Two meetings this season and they boast identical records against playoff rivals with one win, three draws and one defeat.

It was goalless when they locked horns at St James Park in January but their December duel in Essex was far more enterprising with the pair taking a point apiece in a four-goal thriller.

Given the attacking quality on show and their lack of match practice, backing goals at both ends could pay.

Exeter boast superior attacking quality through the likes of Ryan Bowman, Nicky Law and Randell Williams but defensively there is room for improvement - only Port Vale conceded more goals in the top ten this season.

Both teams scored in eight of Exeter’s final nine league matches and the trend should continue at Colchester, who have failed to score in only four of their 18 home games this term and can call upon the services of Theo Robinson, Luke Norris and Frank Nouble.

Key stat

Both teams have scored in each of their last four league meetings at Colchester.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits.

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport