Exeter can advance with victory over Forest Green

All 3pm Saturday

Forest Green v Exeter
Exeter bowed out of one cup competition on Tuesday – sliding to a 3-1 defeat at home to Chelsea Under-21s in their final group-stage game of the Football League Trophy – but they can book a place in the FA Cup third round by beating Sky Bet League Two rivals Forest Green in Gloucestershire.

Promotion is the main aim for fourth-placed Exeter but a club of their size cannot ignore the potential financial benefits of a lucrative FA Cup run.

Just under two years ago they drew 2-2 at home to Liverpool, setting up a replay at Anfield which they lost 3-0.

Landing another big fish in the third round would be a major boost and might enable them to make some important additions in January.

While Exeter are focused on getting out of the fourth tier, Forest Green are desperate to stay there.

Rovers' relegation fears were eased with three successive wins in October but they stuttered in November, winning one of four games.

Striker Christian Doidge has hit the goal trail, netting eight in seven games, but they look uncertain in defence and haven't kept a clean sheet since winning 1-0 at home to National League Macclesfield in the FA Cup first round.

They were fortunate to draw 1-1 at home to Cheltenham last Saturday after losing the shot count 20 to eight and may struggle to avoid defeat against the Grecians, who will receive the backing of a large travelling support.

Recommendation
Exeter
2pts 7-5 Betway, Hills

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Bristol Rovers v Rotherham
Only two Sky Bet League One matches at taking place on Saturday and Rotherham can take advantage of the quiet schedule by climbing from 12th place to seventh with a win at Bristol Rovers.

The Millers have not won in six league games but their problems seem trifling compared to those of Rovers, who have lost nine of their last ten.

A top-ten finish remains the target for Rotherham manager Paul Warne, who saw plenty of positives for his team in a 3-1 loss at home to promotion-chasing Wigan last Saturday.

Warne felt Rotherham acquitted themselves well against a team he described as the best they had faced this season and he would expect to be rewarded if the Millers play to a similar level this weekend.

Rovers lost 2-1 at Blackburn last time out, having taken the lead just before the hour, and manager Darrell Clarke was left to rue the defensive errors which cost his team.

Rovers have shipped 35 league goals this season – the second- highest total in the third tier – and their dodgy defence could cost them once more against Rotherham, who are spearheaded by the division's top marksman, 13-goal striker Kieffer Moore.

Recommendation
Rotherham draw no bet
2pts 11-10 Betfair, Paddy Power

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Millwall v Sheffield United
Sheffield United have been by far the most impressive of the promoted clubs in the Sky Bet Championship this season but they may suffer a setback against Millwall at the Den.

After coming up through the playoffs, Millwall would have expected a tough season and have not been disappointed.

Their four wins have all come at home and they have taken a couple of big scalps, beating Norwich 4-0 and Leeds 1-0.

Millwall's direct style of play is uncomplicated but they can be hard to play against.

Few visiting teams at the Den are able to play scintillating football and the Blades are the latest side who may get drawn into a scrappy contest.

United have looked more vulnerable on their travels, losing four of their nine away league games, and they might not look forward to facing the Lions, who have beaten them on their last two trips to Bermondsey.

Recommendation
Millwall
1pt 11-5 bet365, Betfair

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