Next Up: Leyton Orient vs Exeter City

City extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to five with a 1-0 win at Newport in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, and Gary Caldwell will be hoping to keep the momentum going on Saturday with a trip to the capital to take on a side that finds itself struggling in the table. As usual City were much changed in midweek with Johnly Yfeko and Sil Swinkels completing a half each as they return from injury. One name definitely missing will be Josh Magennis, who is away with Northern Ireland, while there is a new injury concern with Liam Oakes having been withdrawn at half time at Newport having picked up a knock. Others such as Jake Doyle-Hayes, Sonny Cox and the lesser-spotted Pedro Borges are thought to be edging towards a return.

Having narrowly missed out on promotion to the second tier last season, Leyton Orient have made what appears to be their customary slow start, and currently sit one place behind City in 20th place. The Os have had the benefit of a week between matches having already completed their EFL Trophy matches a couple of weeks ago, meaning Richie Wellens will have a fresh squad to choose from, with changes possible after a 4-1 thrashing at Wycombe in their last fixture. Dom Ballard has six goals in nine league matches but hasn’t scored in over a month, while recently it has been a frustrating time for former City talisman Demetri Mitchell, who was a regular to start with but has barely featured in recent weeks outside of the EFL Trophy. Similarly former City loanee Joe White has only made three substitute appearances.

Last season it was the away sides that held the edge – City won 1-0 at Brisbane Road through Amani Richards’ only goal for the club, but revenge was sweet for an in-form Leyton Orient side who took advantage of City’s January defensive frailties in a 6-2 thrashing – it was 4-0 by half time with Abdullai (2), Clare and Markanday on the scoresheet. Hopes of another epic comeback to match that against Crawley were raised through a brace from Alli before Abdullai completed his hat-trick and Donley completed the scoring. That win restored the Os’ lead in league head to heads with 35 wins to City’s 34, 26 matches finishing level.

The match officials for this game will be:-

Referee: Ruebyn Ricardo
Assistant Referees: Ian Cooper and Robert Hyde
Fourth Official : Ben Atkinson

Ruebyn Ricardo has refereed City three times in his career, including both Orient games last season. In October last season he took charge of Exeter’s 1-0 win at Brisbane Road sending off Caleb Watts. He also took charge of Exeter’s 6-2 drubbing by Orient at St James Park in January this year. His other Exeter game was the previous season was in April 2024 when City won 1-0 at Northampton with Ryan Woods sent off. SO far this season he’s taken charge of 11 games, showing 48 yellow cards and sending off one player.

Interview with Gary Caldwell

Interview with Ilmari Niskanen