Coventry v Exeter

12 months to the day from play-off heartbreak at the hands of Blackpool last season, Exeter are back again this year hoping to improve on that 2-1 defeat that saw them miss out on League One last time around.

There is some really good news in the stats though - eight of the nine returning beaten finalists from the football league have gone on to achieve promotion from the show-piece the following season, and that increases to 13 from 16 if you include the National League renewals featuring a returning finalist.

In Paul Tisdale, Exeter have a man who will ensure his side are mature and take this opportunity with the utmost seriousness now - he's been in charge of the Grecians for an incredible 625 games now. During his career he has twice tasted play-off success, and three times won promotion via automatic slots.

With a great deal of the side in tact who lost at the final hurdle last season, it's little wonder there wasn't much room for over jubilation after conquering Lincoln in the semi-finals, and they finished the season in decent form - winning six of their last ten.

Coventry did well themselves - winning five of their last ten, but their open style might not suit the tactical battles that may be evident at Wembley today and they may have difficulty achieving a suitable tempo to succeed on the biggest stage. Manager Mark Robins is more used to avoiding failure than chasing success during his managerial career. His spells at Rotherham, Barnsley, Coventry, Huddersfield, Scunthrope and now again at Coventry have rarely seen him hit the significant heights.

Exeter look the bet in this one, with a serious approach brought to the party, and there's every chance Coventry could leave themselves vulnerable with their super-attakcing style. They only kept clean sheets in six of 22 matches against Top 12 sides, and three of those came in September or August last year!

1pt Exeter to win in 90 minutes at 14/5 (SkyBet)

1pt Exeter to win promotion at 11/8 (SkyBet)

2pts Exeter to score 2+ Goals at 11/4 (Spreadex)

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