Exeter v Carlisle preview: All square heading into play-off semi-final second leg
Thursday 18 May 2017 19:10, UK
Exeter and Carlisle will head into Thursday's Sky Bet League Two play-off semi-final second leg on level terms after a 3-3 draw in the first match.
The Grecians let slip a two-goal lead in Sunday's see-saw opening fixture at Brunton Park, with away goals not counting in the play-off games.
Exeter manager Paul Tisdale may not have a fully-fit squad to chose from after defender Craig Woodman picked up a knock in the first leg. He will be assessed ahead of the game.
Keith Curle has said Carlisle will head to St James Park with an almost full bill of health, with Jason Kennedy ready to play if called upon.
The Cumbrians boss also added that Jabo Ibehre was making his way through a training programme and would be monitored before kick-off for a chance to feature.
Opta stats
Exeter have scored exactly twice in each of their last three home meetings with Carlisle, but have only won once (D1 L1).
This is Carlisle's third away Football League play-off semi-final match, with the previous two both finishing 2-1 - Carlisle losing to Wycombe in 1993/94 but beating Leeds in 2007/08.
Carlisle have yet to keep a clean sheet in the play-offs, conceding in all five games (10 in total).
David Wheeler has found the net in four of his last six league appearances for Exeter, netting four goals in the process.
The Cumbrians are unbeaten in their last six games, winning two and drawing four.
Exeter have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last 10 games, including shipping six goals in the last two games (both vs Carlisle).
Joel Grant had a hand in all three of Exeter's goals in the first leg on Sunday, scoring one and assisting the other two.
Ollie Watkins has provided more assists in all competitions than any other Exeter player this season (8), with one of those coming for Joel Grant's opener in the first leg.
Prutton's prediction
At one point, Carlisle looked dead and buried but fair play to them for pulling it back. I do think the 700-mile trip to Exeter will play a part.
Exeter also put in a very good performance and with home advantage, they will be difficult to beat. Am I going to go with a more cagey second leg? No, there will be more goals with Exeter coming out on top.
PRUTTON PREDICTS: 2-1 - Exeter win 5-4 on aggregate (Sky Bet odds: 15/2)
