Exeter vs Plymouth Prediction & Betting Tips (23 October)

Exeter City and Plymouth Argyle are set to clash in a highly anticipated League One fixture on October 25, 2025, at St. James' Park. Both teams enter the match with identical records of four wins, one draw, and six losses, sitting on 13 points each. Exeter, under the guidance of Gary Caldwell, has struggled to find consistency this season. Caldwell’s tenure has been marked by a modest 34% success rate, and notably, he has yet to secure a win against Plymouth in previous encounters. The Grecians will be looking to reverse that trend, especially with home advantage and a passionate crowd behind them.

Plymouth, managed by former England international Tom Cleverley, is still in the early stages of his coaching career, having overseen just three matches so far. Despite the limited experience, Cleverley has injected fresh energy into the squad, which showed promise during pre-season friendlies, including a dominant 6-0 win over Torquay. However, their recent form has been inconsistent, with losses to Bristol City and Braunschweig raising questions about their defensive stability. Plymouth’s attacking unit, though, remains potent, and their ability to score on the road could be a decisive factor in this derby.

Exeter’s recent performances have been a mixed bag. They impressed in pre-season with a 6-0 thrashing of Weston-super-Mare and a 4-1 win over Manchester United’s youth side, but their League One campaign has been marred by lapses in concentration and defensive errors. Their last league outing saw them fall 3-0 to Mansfield Town, a result that highlighted their vulnerability under pressure. Key players like Sonny Cox and Reece Cole will need to step up if Exeter hopes to outmaneuver their Devon rivals. The midfield battle will be crucial, and Caldwell may opt for a more compact setup to stifle Plymouth’s creativity.

As the match approaches, the atmosphere is building for what promises to be a fiercely contested Devon derby. Both teams are evenly matched on paper, but Exeter’s home advantage and Plymouth’s shaky away form could tilt the balance. Expect a tactical battle with moments of individual brilliance shaping the outcome. While Plymouth may find the net through their dynamic front line, Exeter’s resilience and hunger for a statement win could see them edge ahead. Our prediction for this encounter is a 2-1 victory for Exeter City, a result that would not only boost morale but also mark Caldwell’s first triumph over Cleverley.