Marcus Braddock previews tonight's Checkatrade Trophy Semi-Final
After a long break enforced by the arctic conditionsTown take on Yeovil Town in the semi-final of the Checkatrade Football League Trophy. The Glovers are in 17th position in League Two with 38 points from 34 games but the key statistic is that they've only won twice away from home in the league. Their cup form has been pretty excellent though with five League One scalps taken in cup competitions this season, in addition they have had a couple of big games against Wolves and Manchester United to remember the season by. In this competition, the Glovers topped their group and beat Wimbledon, Forest Green and Fleetwood on their way to this semi-final.
EFL Trophy results
Exeter City 1-3 Yeovil Town
Yeovil Town 1-1 Chelsea U21 (Yeovil won on penalties)
Yeovil Town 2-1 Plymouth
Yeovil Town 2-0 Wimbledon
Yeovil Town 2-0 Forest Green
Yeovil Town 3-2 Fleetwood Town
Francios Zoko 10
Olufela Olomola 7
Sam Surridge 6
Otis Khan 6
Top Scorers (FLT)
Rhys Browne 2
Sam Surridge 2
Clean Sheets
8 in the league and 5 in cup competitions.
Stats
Yeovil are at their most vulnerable in the 15 minutes either side of half time with fifteen conceded in away games this season. The last fifteen minutes of away games have seen seven goals conceded.
The Glovers strongest period away is the first fifteen minutes with six goals conceded this season.
Yeovil have earned 26% of their points and have scored 41% of their goals in away games.
Referee
Darren Drysdale from Lincolnshire. Games this season: 36. Yellow cards: 97. Red cards: 3.
Squad News
According to their website, Yeovil will be without four regular first team players. Midfielder James Bailey, defender Nathan Smith, goalkeeper Artur Krysiak all have knee injuries, midfielder Jake Gray has an ankle injury.
James Bolton has an ankle injury and will be missing, Luke Hendrie and Sam Jones are cup-tied.
Summary
I've had my usual look at their goals over the last few weeks or so and when they win, it's difficult to see how they are in the bottom half of League Two. They have some exciting looking players when they're pushing forward, they're not afraid of having a crack from distance and are alive to deflections. We need to be on our game defensively, Yeovil will certainly be motivated with a place in the final at stake. They will have seen our recent home form and will be doing everything to make sure we are uncomfortable. Both teams have had a sizeable break so should be at maximum fitness levels.