Exeter v Accrington preview

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Exeter boss Paul Tisdale has no fresh injury worries for the visit of Accrington.

The Grecians recorded back-to-back victories over Fleetwood and then arch rivals Plymouth to move seven points clear of the relegation zone and Tisdale could name an unchanged line-up for the third successive match.

He could be tempted to hand Matt Grimes a start after the midfielder’s eye-catching performance off the bench at Home Park but may stick with the central midfield trio of Scott Bennett, Matt Gill and Matt Oakley.

Other options for the City boss include Pat Baldwin, John O’Flynn, Jimmy Keohane and David Wheeler.

Laurence Wilson and Marcus Carver are no nearer returns as Accrington travel to Exeter.

Full-back Wilson’s groin problem is taking longer to heal than first thought and he is set to miss a third successive game this weekend.

Meanwhile Carver, who had to be recalled from a loan spell in non-league football because he required shin surgery, has suffered a fresh setback. The young striker was due to return soon but damaged his medial cruciate ligament in training and looks set for another frustratingly prolonged period on the sidelines.

Boss James Beattie has no other injury or suspension worries and is unlikely to tinker too much with a team who have lost just one of their past six games.

Exeter v Accrington preview

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The Grecians will once again be without playmaker Alan Gow, who missed the 3-0 victory at Morecambe on Saturday with an ankle injury which looks like being worse than first suspected.

A club statement confirmed that the Scot is likely to be sidelined for a few weeks, missing the chance to take on a team he excelled against earlier in the campaign.

Gow scored two memorable goals in a 3-0 win at the Crown Ground back in August, but he will be missing against Leam Richardson’s men along with John O’Flynn, (hamstring) Liam Sercombe (ankle) and Matt Oakley (thigh).

While Exeter recorded their tenth away win of the season last weekend they have won just once at home since November.

Charlie Barnett is suspended for struggling Stanley as the midfielder sits out the second game of a three-match ban following his red card in the defeat to Port Vale.

Manager Leam Richardson is boosted by the news he has no new injury or suspension concerns, with defender Nicky Hunt set to retain his place after returning from concussion in the encouraging draw with Southend last week.

Striker Padraig Amond, who has netted seven times this term, came off the bench in the latter stages against Paul Sturrock’s side after a groin problem and is pushing for a promotion to the starting line-up.

But his cause won’t be helped by James Gray, who partnered James Beattie up front and scored the opener in the 1-1 draw.