Plymouth will be without Gary Sawyer and Carl McHugh through suspension when they host Devon rivals Exeter in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Full-back Sawyer and midfielder McHugh both miss the derby showdown after picking up their fifth yellow cards of the season during Saturday's 2-1 win over Crawley.

Ben Purrington could step in for Sawyer while Josh Simpson is poised for a recall in midfield in place of McHugh.

Back-up goalkeeper James Bittner is out injured so 17-year-old apprentice Cory Harvey will be on the bench again to provide cover for Luke McCormick.

Exeter have injury concerns over Jamie McAllister, Ryan Harley and Manny Oyeleke.

Full-back McAllister is battling to overcome a hamstring problem, Harley has been out injured for the last four games and fellow midfielder Oyeleke missed Saturday's draw at Newport after limping off at Portsmouth last week.

Craig Woodman is set to miss out again having sustained a calf injury against Wycombe a fortnight ago.

But midfielder David Noble should be available after shaking off a hamstring niggle to play the full 90 minutes at Newport.