Exeter City vs Blackpool Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: August 9, 2025 | St. James Park | EFL League One | 15:00 (BST)

St James Park will be the stage for a crucial early-season League One clash this Saturday as Exeter City host Blackpool. Both sides enter the fixture looking to rebound from opening-day defeats and get their campaigns on track. Exeter, following a disappointing 1-0 loss to Doncaster, will be desperate to make a statement in front of their home support. Blackpool, meanwhile, will be aiming to put a frustrating 3-2 defeat to Stevenage behind them and prove their promotion credentials.

Recent history between these two teams has heavily favoured the visitors, with Blackpool winning their last five encounters, including a 3-1 victory at St James Park earlier this year. However, Exeter's coach has expressed confidence that his young side will have learned from their opening-day mistakes and will be better prepared for the intensity of this level. This matchup presents a fascinating contrast of styles and a test of character for both teams. Our analysis suggests a close contest, with Blackpool's recent dominance in this fixture giving them the slight edge, predicting a 2-1 victory for the visitors.

Key Betting Tip: Blackpool to Win & Both Teams to Score at 3.70 odds represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Exeter City vs Blackpool Predicted Lineups

Exeter City Predicted XI: Whitworth, McMillan, Francis, Fitzwater, Turns, Brierley, Cole, Cox, Swinkels, Niskanen, Wareham

Blackpool Predicted XI: Peacock-Farrell, Ihiekwe, Horsfall, Casey, Coulson, Lyons, Honeyman, Evans, Brown, Ennis, Fletcher

Exeter City vs Blackpool Current League Standings

Not a single draw occurred in the first round of League One fixtures; both of these teams lost by a single goal, making the table very close. Blackpool are currently in 13th, and Exeter sit in 19th, but both could move closer to the top with a win.

Exeter City vs Blackpool Head-to-Head Timeline

This will be the third season straight the Grecians and Tangerines have competed in the third tier together. They have met 23 times in their history. Exeter have five wins, Blackpool have 12, and there have been six draws.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

• January 2025: Exeter City 1-3 Blackpool
• September 2024: Blackpool 2-1 Exeter City
• January 2024: Blackpool 2-0 Exeter City
• August 2023: Exeter City 0-0 Blackpool
• November 2018: Exeter City 2-3 Blackpool

Exeter have not beaten Blackpool in any of the last eight meetings, with the Grecians' last win coming in 2001.

Recent Exeter City and Blackpool Matches Analysis

Exeter City Last 5 Matches:

• Doncaster Rovers 1-0 Exeter City (League One)
• Exeter City 1-0 Swansea City (Friendly)
• Torquay United 1-1 Exeter City (Friendly)
• FC United of Manchester 1-4 Exeter City (Friendly)
• Weston-Super-Mare 0-6 Exeter City (Friendly)

Exeter’s loss to Doncaster ended a four-game unbeaten run during their pre-season. The Devonshire side are one of the favourites for relegation this season, and will be wary of the damage a poor start to the season can do.

Blackpool Last 5 Matches:

• Blackpool 2-3 Stevenage (League One)
• Doncaster Rovers 1-1 Blackpool (Friendly)
• Salford City 0-0 Blackpool (Friendly)
• Blackpool 2-1 West Bromwich Albion (Friendly)
• Fylde 3-4 Blackpool (Friendly)

Blackpool will have been extremely disappointed to lose at home to a side they would ideally have beaten. Similar to Exeter, a promising pre-season did not translate to success on matchday one.

Exeter City vs Blackpool Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with confidence in a Blackpool victory. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Exeter City vs Blackpool Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: Blackpool to Win & BTTS @ 3.70 - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted a Blackpool win in this fixture. Their superior form, home advantage, and head-to-head record justify confidence in this selection.

Key Players to Watch: Exeter City vs Blackpool

Sonny Cox (Exeter City): The young forward is a product of Exeter's academy and is tipped for a breakout season. Having featured in the opening game, he will be looking to establish himself as a key figure in the attack. With the Grecians looking for a goalscoring hero, Cox's pace and finishing ability could be the spark they need to unlock a sturdy Blackpool defence. He represents the future of Exeter and is a player who could make a significant impact on the day.

Niall Ennis (Blackpool): The forward has recently joined Blackpool from Stoke City and has already shown his quality, scoring in the opening-day loss to Stevenage. With Jordan Rhodes having departed, Ennis is expected to lead the line and be the primary goal threat for the Tangerines. His physical presence and keen eye for goal will pose a constant challenge to the Exeter backline. If Blackpool are to get a positive result, Ennis's ability to convert chances will be paramount.

Exeter City vs Blackpool Match Facts

Broadcast Details: This match will be available to stream on Sky Sports+ with the correct subscription.

Referee: N/A

Stadium Information: St James Park is a football stadium in Exeter and the home of Exeter City FC. The capacity of St James Park following completion of a £3.4 million redevelopment project is 8,219. The record attendance is 20,984, who watched Exeter lose 4–2 to Sunderland in an FA Cup Sixth Round Replay in 1931. It was constructed in 1904.