Can Exeter City finish in the playoffs this year?

Exeter City will head into their crucial clash with Southend United, knowing that they must avoid defeat if they are to remain hopeful of snatching a playoff spot this season. Exeter have lost back-to-back fixtures against Shrewsbury and Wycombe – which was settled by a 102nd minute penalty – and they now sit four points outside the playoffs with two favourable matches at the end of the campaign. There are five teams in the running for automatic promotion, and you can check out the odds, as well as other news, at Bookies website. We take a look at their remaining fixtures and give our thoughts on whether or not the Grecians can sneak into the playoffs at the end of the season.

Southend United

Southend are in excellent form, having won their last four matches and conceding no goals in the process. In fact, the last time they conceded a goal was on the 18th March in a 2-1 defeat to Burton Albion. The Shrimpers are just five points off automatic promotion, and they have a game in hand over third placed Wycombe. Phil Brown’s side will certainly be up for the clash, and Exeter will certainly need to be at their very best if they are to return to winning ways.

Hartlepool United

Hartlepool are fighting for their Football League lives and currently sit just one point above the relegation zone after their 1-1 draw with Accrington Stanley. ‘Pool went on a great run of five victories last month to give themselves a great chance of avoiding the drop, but are without a win in their last three matches. Their clash with Exeter is the last home game of the season, and supporters will get behind the home side as they fight for survival. It will be a difficult game, but this is a must win game for Exeter if they are to stand any chance of snatching that final playoff spot away from Plymouth.

Dagenham and Redbridge

Realistically, Dagenham have been safe for some time now but their League 2 status was finally guaranteed last week. Their players are likely to switch into ‘holiday mode’ and should not put up much of a fight, meaning that Exeter could win this by a decent margin. The Daggers have won just one of their last five league matches and they are likely to lose at least two of their next three matches. Even if the playoffs are a stretch too far, the Grecians should finish the season with a straightforward home victory and a few goals.

Prediction

Exeter are more than capable of winning their remaining three matches, but they will need some help in order to reach the postseason. Plymouth, Newport and Luton are also in the hunt for that final playoff spot and Exeter will be hopeful that Dagenham can do them a favour against the Welsh outfit in their next fixture. With a bit of luck and three victories, Exeter should see themselves feature in the League Two playoffs and anything can happen in knockout football.