Plymouth Argyle: excellent momentum heading into the new campaign

Plymouth came close to securing a League One playoff place last season, missing out by only two points despite a strong end to the campaign. The team finished the season in impressive fashion, going unbeaten in their final six matches and losing just once across their last 12 league fixtures.

Tom Cleverley’s squad has carried that momentum into the summer. Plymouth enjoyed a highly productive pre-season, winning five of their six warm-up matches, with their only non-victory coming in a goalless draw against Bristol City. The club has also been active in the transfer market, adding seven new players, including attacking reinforcement Will Evans.

Exeter City: rebuilding after a difficult relegation campaign

Exeter endured a disappointing season, finishing 21st in League One and suffering relegation to the fourth tier of English football. Following Gary Caldwell’s exit, the team struggled for consistency, while Matt Taylor’s arrival failed to immediately change their fortunes, with Exeter recording only one win in 13 league matches and keeping just two clean sheets during that period.

Their summer preparations have provided mixed signals as well. The Grecians won only one of their four friendly fixtures, while defeats against Truro City and Torquay United highlighted the work still needed before the new season begins.

Match facts and head-to-head record

Plymouth Argyle won five of their six pre-season friendlies and remained unbeaten throughout the summer.

Exeter City secured just one victory in four warm-up matches.

Last season, Exeter defeated Plymouth 2-0 on home soil, while the return fixture at Home Park ended in a 2-2 draw.