Liverpool vs Exeter Prediction and Preview – 20/01/16

FA Cup preview – Liverpool vs Exeter prediction.

Jurgen Klopp made wholesale changes for the first meeting and may not be so drastic with team selection after being forced into a replay. Liverpool could have named a full outfield side from the first team players ruled out by injury for the third round proper. Klopp now has more options with the return of Jordan Henderson, Jordon Ibe, Mamadou Sakho and Joe Gomez. Dejan Lovren is close to a comeback and could figure but Daniel Sturridge, Divock Origi, Philippe Coutinho, Martin Skrtel and Danny Ings are all ruled out.

Jayden Stockley has made an immediate impact for Exeter with three goals in two games since joining from Bournemouth this month. However, the 22-year-old striker is cup tied after making two FA Cup appearances for Portsmouth when on loan earlier this season and Jamie Reid is set for a recall to the first eleven. Tom Nicholls was awarded man of the match and opened the scoring when the sides met at St James’ Park. The striker has scored 11 league and cup goals this season and will carry Exeter hopes in the absence of Stockley.

Possible Line-ups

Liverpool: 4-2-3-1 formation: Bogdan; Randall, Caulker, Toure, Enrique; Lucas, Allen, Sinclair, Ibe, Brannagan; Benteke

Exeter: 4-1-3-2 formation: Olejnik; Ribeiro, Brown, Moore-Taylor, Woodman; Tilson; A. Nicholls, Noble, Holmes; Reid, T. Nicholls

Statistics

• Liverpool have won 3 drawn 4 and lost 3 of their last 10 matches
• Exeter have won 3 drawn 3 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches
• Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Liverpool have scored an average of 1 goal and conceded an average of 1.3 goals per game
• Over the course of their previous 10 matches, Exeter have scored an average of 1.4 goals and conceded an average of 1.5 goals per game
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 4 of Liverpool’s previous 10 matches
• There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Exeter’s previous 10 matches

Prediction

Jurgen Klopp will demand a positive reaction from his players after Liverpool lost 1-0 at home to bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday. The Reds have only won one of the last three home games although they showed great resolve in the 3-3 draw against Arsenal at Anfield last Wednesday and had previously defeated league leaders Leicester 1-0 at home.

Exeter went into the first game on the back of four straight defeats but have taken four points from two games since, both on the road. They have climbed from 16th to 14th in the bottom tier and are five points away from a play off position. Exeter last reached the FA Cup third round in 2005 when it took Manchester United two attempts before eliminating the underdogs.

Liverpool are close to booking a Wembley place for the League Cup final and an FA Cup run could also be on the cards with a fourth round home draw awaiting the winners.

Tips

Liverpool to win at 3/10 with bet365

Over 2.5 goals at 10/17 with Marathonbet

Liverpool to win 3-0 at 17/2 with BetVictor

What are your predictions?

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