The Grecians will field a much-changed squad when they begin their season tonight.
Exeter City’s EFL Trophy group stage begins today with a much-changed and youthful squad. Reading visit St James Park for a 7pm kick-off as the Grecians try to pick up where they left off on Saturday – and where they thrashed their opponents in the league last month.
Caleb Watts’ first goal proved decisive as City defeated Cheltenham Town 1-0 to reclaim top spot in League One. A place that Exeter City only regained after the Royals defeated Bolton Wanderers 2-1.
The Papa John’s Trophy may not be a priority for either club, and both are anticipated to make a number of changes for the game. Nonetheless, it is a game that City manager Gary Caldwell needs to win in order to keep the momentum rolling, and it is an opportunity for some of the fringe players, youngsters, and those returning from injury to prove their value and give the manager a nice selection headache.
Read More – Exeter City, top of the league, focuses on the process rather than the table
Caleb Watts had a fairytale Exeter City debut as the victory puts the Grecians to the top of the table.
“We’ll see how everyone is doing and who is in shape,” Caldwell added. “There are rules we have to follow, but it will be a much different side with a lot of younger players playing and giving them game time that they need, as well as minutes to be ready for the league when called upon.”
Pedro Borges is one of those young players ready to make his debut. The 18-year-old made his competition debut a year ago and started the final two League One games of the previous season. Having only made three substitute appearances this season, totaling 15 minutes, the academy graduate is eager to be engaged from the start if picked.
“It is a competition that all of the young players are looking forward to,” he remarked. “It is an opportunity to demonstrate our abilities and have the mindset to win matches and then play more games.”
“Reading are a good team; they could have won it when they came here, but the lads were outstanding that day, and we hope to get the points on Tuesday.”
“The lads who haven’t had many minutes are pumped. Every time a sub comes on, they want to make an impact, and we’re all ready to go. We want to win every game, so we’ll keep training hard and be ready when our opportunities arise.”
Borges, 16-year-old Jake Richards, and 19-year-old Mitch Beardmore have all played for the Grecians in League One this season and might start on Tuesday night. As might several of the players on the team.
Kyle Taylor might make his first start since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in March 2022, while James Scott was back on the bench over the weekend and could start. Yanic Wildschut and Watts, who both joined on Friday, might receive extra playing time to work on their fitness, while Sonny Cox could earn another start up front. Jack Fitzwater may also make his debut.
Harry Kite returned to full training on Monday, so the game may come too soon for him to play, at least at first. Vincent Harper, Cheick Diabate, and Admiral Muskwe were all in contention to play at the weekend but were ruled ineligible, so they might be included in the squad if they are healthy.
If the score is tied after 90 minutes, the game advances to penalties, with the victorious side receiving an additional point. Arsenal U21s now lead the group with two points after defeating Swindon Town on penalties in their lone game so far.
