Football Analyst

Leyton Orient striker Harry Smith insists his side remain grounded despite siting second in League Two. The O’s travel to fellow promotion cantidates Port Vale on Saturday but the 26 year highlights there is still plenty of work to do in the season starting at Vale Park. Speaking to BBC London “collectively to sit second at the end of September, it’s a good start, we‘re not going to get carried away. It’s only a start, there’s a long way to go and the league hasn’t really sorted itself out yet”.

Second in League Two – four points behind league leaders Forest Green

Taken 11 points from last 15 available

Orient made it six unbeaten after a 0-0 home draw with Mansfield last weekend with manager Kenny Jackett left slightly disappointed his side couldn’t grab all three points. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s slightly frustrating at the end for us, I thought the first half was quite cagey. In the second I thought we were very good and created a high number of chances. It wasn’t quite our day in the final third”.

On loan defender Alex Mitchell is loving his time in E10 playing first team football. The 19 year old joined the O’s on loan from Millwall back in August and his relishing the chance of League Two football. Mitchell’s arrival has seen the O’s keep three clean sheets in five games and Mitchell highlighted the importance of keeping out the opposition. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s a huge step up, I’m really grateful for the opportunity, the gaffer and the lads have been brilliant. We’re all fighting for the clean sheet, we really want to get one every week, we know we’ve got players who can score goals so if we do our job, they will do there’s”.

Only conceded seven goals all season in League

Conceded in every away league games this season

Conceded a penalty in last three away league games

Saturday’s trip to Vale is the first of three away trips for the O’s and Jackett knows they will all bring different challenges. Orient are unbeaten on the road so far this season with the 59 year old keen for his side continue their form away from Brisbane Road. Speaking to leytonorient.com “if you want to be successful you have to be good enough to win away and at home. The different type of games, your side has to be good enough mentally, ability and rise to the challenge as a player. We’ve had a bright start but it doesn’t give you anything”.

Vale sit fourth after winning their last three and appear to be gelling under manager Darrell Clarke. Clarke’s men have already beaten Forest Green and Harrogate this season with Jackett fully aware of the danger they will possess. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they are one of the sides that have impressed me, I thought they finished season very strong last season. They do look like one of the promising starts in the league most definitely. It’s always a difficult place to go, we don’t ever under estimate anybody, we are looking forward to the game, it’s going to be a big test for us”.

Orient have not won back to back away games since April

Orient have only played three of the current top half (all at home) – W2 L1

Despite Orient having only one defeat so far, Jackett is keen to highlight there is still plenty of work to do for his side. All of the top three drew last weekend and the 59 year old wants his side to continue with their level of performance. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we’ve still got a lot of work to do in terms of growing and we need consistency aswell. Our side has a good understanding, cohesion defensively and going forward. We want to keep that performance level up if we can, we certainly need to do if we want to be competiting at the top end of the table”.

Orient are one of three sides to score in every away league match this season

Only Forest Green (18) have scored more league goals than the O’s

Team News

Defender Tom James is suspended after picking up five bookings last weekend while Adam Thompson remains out as he continues his rehab from injury. Forward Paul Smyth is back in the squad after recovering from injury. Hector Kyprianou could be back in the starting 11 with Craig Clay moved out to the right.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 19, Draw 10, Port Vale 34

Orient have only lost one of the last five meetings – W2 D2 L1

Orient have won two of their last four trips to Vale Park W2 L2 (both defeats 0-3)

Mansfield Town first team coach Andy Garner is not phased by a trip to high flying Leyton Orient on Saturday. The Stags travel to the Capital to take on an Orient side who have only lost once so far this season with the 55 year old stating to mansfieldtown.net “it will be a hard game, there’s nothing to fear, we’re no going down frightened. We go and play our game and see what happens”.

Sit 20th on eight points

The Stags ended a run of five successive defeats with a 1-1 draw last weekend against Rochdale. Substitue Danny Johnson netted the equaliser after Danny Cashman had given Dale the lead. Midfielder George Lapslie was pleased his side managed to “stop the rot” stating to mansfieldtown.net “it’s a good point first and foremost, going a goal behind especially against a team like Rochdale who are in good form. It’s a good point and something to build on”.

Mansfield started the season with seven points from the first three games but have lost four of their last five. Manager Nigel Clough revealed after the Rochdale draw the need to remove individual errors from their game. Speaking to mansfieldtown.net “we sat down and talked to the players last week about stop giving goals away, no one does that in the opposition teams. We’ve been working incredibily hard to get goals and we again give them away. Honestyly day after day we are drilling it into them”.

Defender Farren Rawson has been a main stay for the Stags starting every game so far and the 25 year old feels his side are coming out the other side of their bad run. Clough brought in a host of new signings in the summer and Rawson highlights the team are all behind the manager. Speaking to mansfieldtown.net “we’re learning every day, we’re all gelling. He’s putting his methods across and in alot of the games you can see that. It will take a little bit of time, performances are always high, results will come”

Despite Orient’s recent good form Garner is keen to highlight that Manfield will still be a big test for them in E10. The O’s have been free scoring in the last few weeks, netting nine in their last three league games. Striker Harry Smith is the joint top scorer in League Two with Garner stating “he’s been a massive part of their success at the moment, when you’ve got someone scoring goals. He’s a big lad, we’ve got to deal with that. They’re on a good run but no matter where Mansfield are in the table it will be a hard game and they will be prepared for us”.

Rawson, who is unbeaten on his two trips to Brisbane Road, is keen for his side to play their own game on Saturday. The 25 year spoke about keeping it back to basics against Rochdale in order to build themselves into the game. Speaking to mansfieldtown.net “personally I never really concentrate on the opponents, concentrating on ourseleves is most important. If we play well. it will take care of itself. It’s about us not them, we’re building something here, we’ve the utmost respect for them but we will go there and play our football”.

Team News

James Perch, Will Forrestor and Richard Nartey are all out through injury. Kellan Gordon (knee) and Ryan Stirk (ankle) will undergo late fitness tests while Stephen Quinn is suspended. Striker Danny Johnson will be hoping for a start against his old club after netting from the bench against Rochdale.

Head to Head – Mansfield 14, Draw 15, Leyton Orient 27

Leyton Orient midfielder Craig Clay is keen for his side to make it four wins in a row when they face Mansfield Town on Saturday. The O’s have only lost once so far this season and the 29 year old is looking for his side to continue their form. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we’ve been in good form at the start of the season and picked up some good results home and away. We need to carry it on”.

Sit second on 15 points, four behind leaders Forest Green

The O’s made it three wins on the bounce last weekend with a 3-1 win at Bristol Rovers. Harry Smith, Theo Archibald and Aaron Drinan all netted in the first half before Brett Pitman hit an injury time consolation. Assistant manager Joe Gallen praised his sides performance to leytonorient.com “the players deserve all the credit, they performed as always very well. We’ve been looking to get an away win in the league and we came close at Newport. But we’re delighted to come away from here with all three points”.

Orient made it 16 goals for the season at Bristol Rovers with seven coming from set pieces so far and defender Omar Beckles highlighted he feels his side are a real threat from dead balls. Speaking to leytonorient.com the 29 year old stated “we fancy ourselves, we’ve got some big lads who want to attack it. Smudg (Harry Smith) is a handful, we think we will get quite a few this season from set plays. Joe gets on at us about restarts and we take pride in getting them right”.

Only Forest Green (18) have scored more than Orient

Orient have scored two or more goals in four consecutive League games for first time since April

Despite sitting in second spot, manager Kenny Jackett is keen to downplay the league table at this stage of the season. Speaking to leytonorient.com the former Portsmuth man was pleased his side have been scoring and creating a host of chances but knows there is plenty more to do. “The balance is there at the moment, we need to keep working at it. While the league position is nice there is still 100 points to play for. It is about getting the team right, setting them on a run through the winter. It is key to create a foundation”

Orient have four clean sheets in last five home games

Have kept two in last three home games

Clay, who is in his fifth season at the O’s, is one of only a few players who were involved in Orient’s champion winning season in 2018/2019, can see similar traits with the current group of players. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I’m loving life, there is a really good feeling about it this year, it is a great set of lads with everyone getting along with each other. I have feeling it could be a year of something special”.

Mansfield’s travelling squad includes Danny Johnson who hit 20 goals for the O’s last season and Orient know the threat he can pose. Despite the Stags poor recent form Jackett expects Nigel Clough’s men to be challenging at the top end at the back end of the season. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they were much fancied at the start of the season and I still think they will be up there. They are a good club with a good manager, 100% they will be up there and the tests don’t get much easier. They have one or two injury problems which they will get over and recover from”

Team News

Dan Happe should be fit after overcoming a back problem but Adam Thompson and Paul Smyth remain out. Jackett could name the same starting 11 for the third consecutive league game

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 27, Draw 13, Mansfield 14

Orient have only lost two of the last 15 meetings – W10 D3 L2

Orient have only lost one of last nine games at home – W7 D1 L1

Bristol Rovers defender Josh Grant insists his side need to focus on themselves ahead of the visit of Leyton Orient on Saturday. The O’s visit the Memorial Stadium riding high in League Two but the 22 year old highlights Rovers need to start getting results. Speaking to bristolrovers.co.uk “we’ve really got to focus on ourselves and start producing what we know we can do”.

Rovers fell to a 1-0 defeat away at Hartlepool last weekend thanks to a Jamie Sterry strike. Manager Joey Barton bemoaned another individual error which cost his side in the North East stating to Bristolrovers.co.uk “the frustration in the camp is an individual error has cost us. I’m really pleased with the lads effort, they battle galiantly and kept going. But we must be better”.

After a summer of change for Rovers following their relegation from League One, Barton has near enough changed the playing personnel at the Memorial. WIth 17 incomings, it will certainly take some time for the players to gel but signs are showing on the training ground according to Grant. Speaking to Bristolrovers.co.uk “when you change the group like we have it’s never going to be easy. On the training pitch you can see it is coming together, we’ve got the bit between our teeth. We need to start doing it on matchday”.

Barton is suffering on the injury front revealing both Leon Clarke and Sam Nicholson are out injured for a period of time. Despite the setback the 39 year old highlights Orient will not be feeling sorry for them on Saturday. Speaking to bristolrovers.co.uk “it is part and parcel, you have to be adaptable over the course of the season. Orient will be rubbing their hands together thinking it is a great opportunity on Saturday to continue their good start to the season. We have to come up with some different situations to give ourselves a good opportunity to win the game”.

Rovers are playing in the fourth tier for the first time since 2015/2016 and their return has got off to the best start. Despite picking up just seven points from their opening seven games, Grant is not phased and insists his side will start to find form. Speaking to bristolrovers.co.uk “their is no panic from our side, we are level headed and we understand the difficulties which are coming. When the team is not winning every week the best place to be is on the training ground working hard every day”

Orient haven’t only lost once in the league this season and Barton is not surprised that the O’s are up amongst the early pace setters. The 39 year old worked with Kenny Jackett at Man City back in 2007 when he was reserve team manager. Speaking to bristolrovers.co.uk “I have known Kenny for a long time, we worked with each other at Man City. They are organised, difficult to play against , there was no surprise they have started in the manner they have. He is someone who the division, has a lot of coaching experience and are one of the teams to catch”.

Rovers are looking for a fourth consecutive home win for the first time since April 2017 when Orient visit tomorrow with Barton keen for his side to continue their form at the Memorial. Speaking to bristolrovers.co.uk “every game brings pressure especially when you want to win every one. We haven’t conceded a goal in the last three and we must continue that when the real early pace setters are coming. If we’re going to be successful our home ground needs to be a fortress and a real difficult place for teams to come”.

Team News

Leon Clarke (hamstring), Sam Nicholson (bruised bone), Alex Rodman (broken foot), Anssi Jaakkola (achilles) and Trevor Clark all remained sidelined through injury. Glen Whelan looks set to continue in midfield after making his debut at Hartlepool last Saturday. Brett Pitman could start in the absence of Clarke in attack.

Head to Head – Bristol Rovers 47, Draw 27, Leyton Orient 40

Rovers have won two of the last three meetings

Leyton Orient striker Aaron Drinan is looking to make it three wins in a row when the O’s visit Bristol Rovers on Saturday. The O’s sit fourth in League Two having only lost one of their opening seven league matches and the 23 year old stated to leytonorient.com “anyone can beat anyone but with the way we’re playing and the form we’re in, we’re looking to go there and win”.

Sit 4th on 12 points

The O’s head to Rovers on the back of a 1-0 home win over Southampton U21’s in the EFL trophy on Tuesday. Antony Papadopoulos first strike for Orient sealed victory with manager Kenny Jackett stating to leytonorient.com “it’s a great win and gets us off to a good start in that competition. A competition we want to progress in if we can”.

Drinan has settled into life in E10 quickly after his summer move from Ipswich and already has three goals and two assists to his name. The 23 year old has linked up very well in recent weeks with Theo Archibald and Harry Smith and stated to leytonorient.com “I’m happy with how I am playing, long may it continue. The way all three of us scored last week was good, in the game we linked and gelled well together“.

Only Forest Green (14) have scored more league goals than Orient (13)

Despite having a game midweek in the EFL Trophy, Jackett was quick to highlight that the Rovers clash is the biggest of the week. After Rovers’s relegation last season, the 59 year old is keen for side to continue their form but understands the potential Joey Barton’s men have. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it’s a really big game for us, they all are when you want to do well in the league. We need to focus on ourselves, make sure we get our game right and do everything we can to be at our best. They are one of the bigger clubs in the division, well supported and have ambitions of going straight back up” .

The O’s are yet to win on their travels this season, drawing all three away games so a far. Orient blew a lead twice in Newport last time on the road but Jackett is keen for his side to build on that performance on Saturday. Speaking to leytonorient.com “we want to be defensively solid and compete in the game. At Newport, although we conceded two goals I thought we looked solid and looked a threat going forward, creating numerous chances. We want to play well both home and away”.

Three clean sheets this season (all at home)

No clean sheet in last seven away games

No away win in last seven games

Team News

Lawrence Vigouroux, Connor Wood, Tom James, Aaron Drinan, Harry Smith and Theo Archibald should all return after sitting out the midweek win over Southampton U21’s. Shadrach Ogie is available after returning from Covid 19 but Adam Thompson and Paul Smyth remain out. Darren Pratley should be fit after being taken off against Oldham while Ruel Sotriou is a doubt after coming off in midweek.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 40, Draw 27, Bristol Rovers 47

Orient have only lost one of the last six league meetings – W5 L1

No draw in last 12 meetings

Leyton Orient defender Tom James insists his side must stay focused ahead of the visit of Oldham Athletic tomorrow. The Lactics have seen several games disrupted this year with protests but the 25 year old is keen for his side to put their stamp on the game. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it will be a tough game but we have to concentrate on ourselves. We’ve been doing work on things to hurt them. If we concentrate, stay tight at the back we should be good going forward”.

The O’s head into Saturday’s clash on the back of a 2-2 draw at Newport. Harry Smith twice gave them the lead but Orient were pegged back twice through a Matt Dolan Penalty and Dom Telford strike. Assistant manager Joe Gallen admitted to leytonorient.com “we’re disapointed to just have the one point today, thought it both halves we played very well. By the end we’re disappointed to only come away with a draw”.

Orient have made a solid start to the season with nine points from six games and James is keen for his side to continue to progress. James made the summer switch from Hibernian and has settled to life in E10 very well. Speaking to leytonorient.com “It’s been a pretty good start, a few decent results and good performances. We are all looking forward to the games ahead and hopefully continue our good form and get some more wins”.

Manager Kenny Jackett highlights his side are looking for stability in the coming weeks. After three draws on the road, the former Portsmouth man knows the importance of backing up those results at Brisbane Road. Spekaing to leytonorient.com “it was a good point away from home but it is important to follow up with a win at home. We are in a decent position and we are looking for consistency. If we get that it will help develop our form home and away”.

Orient have enjoyed two comprehensive wins at home over Exeter (3-0) and Bradford (2-0) and James knows the importance of his side building on clean sheets. James was part of a back five at Newport and is happy to play anywhere to help the team. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it is something we talk about before, obviously we don’t want to concede goals. Clean sheets are massive part, if we win games and have good record like last season it will be really positive”.

Orient kept 18 clean sheets in League last season

Kept 10 at home – only Salford (11) kept more

The Lactics have lost five of the opening six league games and sit 23rd in League Two but Jackett highlights the importance that Keith Curle could have to their plight. Speaking to leytonorient.com “every side Curle has been at, he’s done well, he’s an excellent manager and has a very good track record. He has different ways to play. We respect the opposition, it’s our next game, we want to be on the front foot, creating chances going forward”.

Team News

Hector Kyprianou and Ruel Sotriou are back available after missing the trip to Newport due to International duty. Defenders Dan Happe and Adam Thompson are stil sidelined through injury as is forward Paul Smyth. On loan defender Alex Mitchell could keep his place if Orient continue to play a back three.

Head to Head – Leyton Orient 21, Draw 20, Oldham Athletic

Orient are unbeaten in last five games – W3 D2

Have only lost one of their last ten – W4 D5 L1

Orient are unbeaten in last nine league meetings – W4 D5

Oldham Athletic manager Keith Curle has urged his players to keep their attention solely on football matters. The Latics have seen several games disrupted by fan protests this season including last weekend’s defeat at home to Barrow. Curle’s men travel to East London to face Orient with Curle stating to oldhamtimes “I need the players to maintain focus, keep believing in what we are doing, keep believing in the process and not go into a shel and not want to perform”.

The Lactics fell to their fifth defeat in six league games against Barrow, Goals from Ollie Banks, Offrande Zanzala and Joe Grayson left Oldham sitting in 23rd in League Two. Curle stated to BBC Radio Manchester “I know their are underlying issues at the football club but we know we have let the fans down with that performance level”.

Disruption in the second half caused a stoppage in play against Barrow with continued unrest growing regarding owner Abdallah Lemsagam. Ticketing issues for the next few games was announced in midweek but Orient stepped in allowing “pay on the day” for the traveling Lactics fans. Despite the turmoil surrounding the club, Curle insists they will come out the other side. Speaking to Oldham Times “at the minute we are in a very dificult situation on the pitch and off the pitch – players, supporters, ownership but we will get through it. I guarantee you we will get through it”.

Saturday’s defeat to Barrow left the Lactics on three points equalling their worse start to a season after five games since 2017/2018. Away from the toxic enviornment of Boundary Park Curle highlights his side need to turn around the negativity. Speaking to Oldham Times “It’s difficult but you’ve got to be able to use the negativity and turn it into a positive and be energised by it and that’s what we are trying to instill this week”.

Despite the Oldham fans calling Lemsagam to sell, the Oldham owner issued an open letter this week stating he isn’t looking to sell the club. In his letter he stated “I have made many mistakes I took over in 2018 but that I am not leaving, I am not selling. I accept that mistakes have been made. Each mistake has been honestly and with an intention to help the club I have never done anything intentionally to hurt the club, I never would”.

The Lactics haven’t won at Brisbane Road since 2011 but Curle is keen for his side to improve their performances on the pitch. Speaking to Oldham Times “it’s been about creating the focus of what we are doing on the pitch. Individually and collectivity we are here to do a job and we’ve got to do it better than results show at the minute”.

Team News

Ouss Cisse, Jamie Hopcutt, Danny Rogers and Sam Hart are all still sidelined through injury. Dylan Bahamboula is still set to be unavailable due to Covid quarantine rules. Curle stated to Oldham Times on the injury list “we had seven players out injured, one away on international duty and one injured at half time. You take nine players out of any team at this level and they are going to struggle”.

Head to Head – Oldham 26, Draw 20, Leyton Orient 21

Oldham have only won one of the last 10 meetings – W1 D5 L4

Oldham are winless in their last nine league games against Orient – D5 L4

Bradford City manager Derek Adams is relishing life in the Bantams hotseat. The 46 year old has given his side their best league start to a season since 2016/2017 and is looking to continue that against Leyton Orient on Saturday. Speaking to bradfordcity.co.uk “we’re looking forward to it, it’s a good venue to go to, we always enjoy going there. We’re taking big support and we’re coming off a really positive result against Mansfield”.

Only Forest Green (13) have scored more league goals than Bradford (9)

The Bantams made it three wins from their first four league games with a 3-2 victory away at Mansfield last weekend. Paulie O’Connor headed them ahead before an Ollie Hawkins brace saw them fall behind. However second half strikes from Charles Vernam and Andy Cook sealed victory.

Bradford trailed for the first time in the league against Mansfield and O’Connor was pleased with his sides resilence to battle back. Speaking to bradfordcity.co.uk “I thought we showed decent character to stay in the game and get the result. The most important thing was don’t panic. We dusted ourselves down and went again”.

After five games in two weeks, it was a welcome week on the training ground for Adams. The 46 year old swapped Morecambe for the Bantams in the summer is keen to build on their start to the season. Speaking to bradfordcityafc.com “it’s important, we’ve had a very busy start to the season, having a free week only benefits us. I am very pleased with how we’ve started the season. It is important to remember we are still in the early stages and there is a long way to go”.

Five different scorers for Bradford in the League (two defenders)

O’Connor was delighted to notch his first of the season at Mansfield and to seal victory in front of a sold out away end. The 24 year old won the player of the season last year and highlights the threat that Orient could pose them on Saturday. Speaking to bradfordcityafc.com “if today is anything to go by the fans will travel in their numbers again. Orient have recruited well this year, they will be there or there about. We are looking forward to it, a packed atmosphere and hopefully another three points”.

The Bantams head to Orient looking for four consecutive league wins for the first time since February. Adams will face Kenny Jackett for the first time since 2019 and the former Plymouth manager highlights the difficulty his side may have at Brisbane Road. Speaking to bradfordcityafc.com “this will certainly be a tough game, Leyton Orient are a good team with plenty of dangerous players and a good manager who likes to play in a certain way. No matter how we perform, the most important thing is that we get another victory”.

Team News

Lee Angol and Abo Eisa are both still out injured. Oscar Threkeld and Levi Sutton won’t be available but should return to training on Monday. Midfielder Yann Songo’o could continue after making his first start for the Bantams at Mansfield.

Head to Head – Bradford 15, Draw 12, Leyton Orient 17

Bradford have won four of the last six games – W4 D1 L1

Bradford have only lost one of the last seven – W4 D2 L1

Leyton Orient defender Connor Wood insists his side are only at the start of the journey. The 25 year old joined the O’s from Bradford in the summer and wants his side to build on their promosing start as they head to Carlisle on Saturday. Speaking to leytonorient.com “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it so far, we’re a fairly new back four but their is real togetherness already. We want to continue to build solidarity and become a real force. Keeping as many clean sheets is the main aim as defenders”.

Orient head North after a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Exeter last weekend. First half goals from Aaron Drinan and Omar Beckles set them on their way before on loan Lincoln winger Theo Arichbald sealed the victory. Manager Kenny Jackett stated to leytonorient.com after the win “we didn’t have everything our own way, I always felt we needed that third goal and it was a real quality goal”.

There was plenty of change at the O’s during the summer with Wood one of nine summer signings alongside Jackett’s arrival. Despite the wholesale changes, Wood feels there is a real togetherness being developed and is keen to continue their unbeaten league run. Speaking to leytonorient.com “you can already see how well we have gelled together, we have bonded as a team which is massive. It’s important to get a run going early doors and build momentum. You can see it on the pitch how close we are and how much we demand of each other. It’s a great bunch and I’m reallly excited to see where it goes”.

The trip to Carlisle starts a busy week for the O’s who have back to back home games on Tuesday and Saturday. Orient will be looking to build on recent performances with Jackett highlighting the significance of every game. Speaking to leytonorient.com “all games are important, you want a good home record and want to build a good raport with the supporters. Similiary when on the road, we do really appreciate the suporters who make the effort and help us to achieve”. He added “Salford was excellent in terms of support, it is up to us to put on a performance to encourage them, on and off the ball we have to be at our best”.

Carlisle are unbeaten so far in the league with five points from three games and Jackett knows that the Cumbrians could be a threat on Saturday. Speaking to leytonorient.com “they are a good team, well coached. They have a good attitude and quality, maybe Covid and a few things conspired against them last season, they were a little bit unlucky. They will be wanting to replicate that I’m sure. For us we won’t underestimate anybody, we will give them the respect they deserve. My focus is mainly on my team, my aim is my sides performance”.

Carlisle Sat Top of League Two at the start of 2021

After their COVID outbreak, Carlisle only took nine points from next 42 points

Wood lost both games against the Cumbrians for Bradford last season and certainly knows what to expect at Brunton Park. Speaking to leytonorient.com “it will be another tough challenge and one we want to overcome. Carlisle play completly differently to what we have experienced so far. We will create a gameplan to nullify their threats and provide best chance to win”.

Carlisle were joint top scorers at home last season

Team News

Striker Paul Smyth remains sidelined through injury while defender Adam Thompson is continuing his rehab from a broken leg. Harry Smith is fit after coming through last weekend’s victory over Exeter. Goalkeeper Sam Sargeant is unavailable after joining Barnet on loan in midweek so young Rhys Byrne is expected to be named on the bench. Forward Tyrese Omotoye should be on the bench after joining on loan from Norwich in midweek.

Head to Head – Carlisle 23, Draw 14, Leyton Orient 21

Orient have only won one of the last seven meetings – W1 D3 L3

Five of the last seven wins between the sides have been from the away side

Both teams have scored in six of the last seven meetings and 11 of last 13 games

Exeter City defender Jack Sparkes is confident his side can pick up their first win of the season against Leyton Orient. The Grecians travel to East London after back to back 0-0 draws but the 20 year old feels it is only a matter of time before the win arrives. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “we are in a good place as a team. We played reasonably well Tuesday and played well Saturday. It’s a case of getting the ball over the line”.

The Grecians bowed out of the League Cup on penalties to Wycombe Wanderers on Tuesday night with manager Matt Taylor disappointed his side failed to score again. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “we needed to create more, I felt it was a little timid from start to finish. First half it pitted out into a nothing game. We’ve got to show a little more and effect the ball in more dangerous areas”.

After having a Covid scare in midweek, the Grecians produced a clear round of tests on Thursday with Taylor keen to look ahead to the trip to Orient. It will be Exeter first away game with supporters for 524 days and the 29 year old excited to see them back. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “all our minds are focused on this weekend, the squad is a little bit thin with injuries anway then the covid is not ideal. When we travel in numbers it just shows our unity as a club. We are so well supported on our travels so to hear any noise will be absolutely brilliant”.

Exeter brought in striker Padraig Amond on loan in midweek hoping to add to their firepower going forward. Despite the lack of a goal, Sparkes knows his side have been creating the opportunities to score. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “we have made chances in the last few games, sometimes it’s how football works out. It’s a game we are going into thinking we can win. We’re looking forward Orient, focusing on ourselves and we’re ready.”.

The Grecians took four points off the O’s last season but Taylor is keen to highlight there has been plenty of positive changes at Brisbane Road over the summer. The 39 year old spoke to exetercityfc.co.uk “their not at full strength similiar to ourselves. They have a really experienced manager who has a lot of knowhow at this level and above. We do expect them to be stronger than last season and to improve. Judging by their game at Salford, they were really impressive and we feel they are moving in the right direction”.

Taylor saw Orient first hand on Wednesday as the O’s bowed out to QPR on Wednesday night and the 39 year old knows the threat they may pose. Speaking to exetercityfc.co.uk “it was a game of two halves, Orient became more aggressive as the game went on. They were had more purpose in and out of position and probably deserved to win the game of football. We both had creditable performance and lost on penalties. Both will be looking for the same thing on Saturday, three points and a return for their effort”.

Taylor’s League Record – P130 W55 D41 L34

Team News

New signing Padriag Amond is available after his loan move from Newport. Josh Key should be available after receiving a negative Covid test. Tim Dieng and Jonathon Grounds are doubts but Sam Nombe is out with Covid. Archie Collins, Sam Stubbs and Josh Coley are all still unavailable through injury.

Head to Head – Exeter City 33, Draw 26, Leyton Orient 33

Exeter are unbeaten in last eight games – W6 D2

Exeter are unbeaten on last three trips to Brisbane Road – W2 D1

Exeter have scored in last eight games, scoring 22 goals

Prediction – Leyton Orient 2-2 Exeter City