Preview: Exeter City vs. Morecambe - prediction, team news, lineups

On the final day of the League One season, the Shrimps will in all likelihood need to better MK Dons' result to move up to 20th place, while the Grecians have little to play for, currently sitting in 15th place.

Match preview

Exeter have acquired 53 points from 45 games this season, meaning they are comfortably clear of the bottom four, but they have been unable to challenge near the top end of the League One table.

The Grecians are currently level on points with both Bristol Rovers and Cheltenham Town, while they are two points behind Burton Albion, meaning they can finish as low as 17th and as high as 13th depending on their result on Sunday.

Gary Caldwell's side looked to be in a strong position to secure a top-half finish at the very least, however their form has dipped considerably in recent weeks, losing their last six League One matches.

That said, the fixture list has not been kind, as they have taken on six of the current top seven during that time, although that is no excuse to lose 6-0, as they did against Ipswich Town last time out.

Although the game ultimately counts for very little, the Grecians will be eager to sign off on a positive note at St James Park, but they may have their work cut out, against a side fighting for their lives.

Indeed, Morecambe are desperately trying to retain their League One status, and their form has improved considerably in recent weeks, winning their last three matches to give themselves a fighting chance of staying up.

The Shrimps will commence proceedings in 21st place, behind MK Dons on goal difference, and they will need to better the Dons' result if they are to stay up, unless there is an eight-goal swing, which is very unlikely.

There is still a decent chance that Derek Adams' side manage to stay up, given that MK Dons travel to a Burton Albion side that have been very solid in the second half of the season, picking up 33 points in their last 20 games, the seventh-highest amount in the third tier.

That said, Morecambe's main focus needs to be on their own game, and they have put a fantastic run of form together of late, most recently defeating Lincoln City 3-2 at the Mazuma Stadium.

Cole Stockton fired home a brace to secure victory against the Imps, with the striker rediscovering his form at a very good time, scoring five goals in his last three games.

Exeter City League One form:

L

L

L

L

L

L

Morecambe League One form:

L

L

D

W

W

W

Team News

Exeter striker Sam Nombe has missed the last three games with injury, meaning Josh Key should continue to lead the line, and he could be joined by 18-year-old Sonny Cox, who has managed to force his way into first-team contention in recent weeks.

Caldwell may choose to make a few changes, given the thrashing at Ipswich last time out, with Jay Stansfield replacing Pedro Borges on the right of midfield, and Jack Sparkes coming in for Demetri Mitchell on the opposite side.

Alex Hartridge picked up a knock which meant he had to be withdrawn in the first half in the last match, meaning Jonathan Grounds could instead get the nod at centre-back.

As for Morecambe, Adams is unlikely to tinker too much with a winning formula, although Ashley Hunter could come in for Dan Crowley, having assisted the winning goal as a substitute against Lincoln last weekend.

Oumar Niasse scored his first goal for the club against the Imps, however he is likely to be utilised as a substitute if Morecambe are chasing the game, with Stockton keeping his place at striker.

Exeter City possible starting lineup:

Woods; Sweeney, Aimson, Grounds, Caprice; Stansfield, Kite, Chauke, Sparkes; Key, Cox

Morecambe possible starting lineup:

Ripley; Cooney, Rawson, Bedeau, Melbourne; Austerfield, Gibson, Weir, Hunter, Gnahoua; Stockton

We say: Exeter City 1-2 Morecambe

Morecambe have shown they have what it takes to stay up with their performances in recent weeks, winning their last three games on the spin, and we expect them to move out of the relegation zone on the final day.

Exeter have been out of sorts lately, and the game means far more to the visitors, who are likely to come away with a victory by a narrow margin.

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