PREVIEW: Exeter City vs Swindon Town (EFL Trophy)

Swindon Town need to just avoid defeat in Exeter to progress beyond the group stages in the EFL Trophy.

The Robins currently lead Group C of the southern section with five points from a possible six, due to a 2-1 win over Chelsea U23s and a bonus point penalty shootout victory at home to Oxford United.

Oxford are second in the group with four points and Exeter are third with three while Chelsea U23s have already been eliminated due to losing both their games so far.

There is only possible outcome tonight (Tuesday) that knocks Swindon out of the competition - a Town loss in Exeter and an Oxford win (in normal time or on penalties) at Stamford Bridge.

If Swindon beat Exeter on penalties (which earns two points as opposed to three), and Oxford win in 90 minutes in west London, Town will sacrifice top spot in the group as the U's have a superior goal difference.

The advantage of winning the group would see Swindon drawn as the home side in round two against a side that could only finish as runners-up in their group.

In terms of injuries, captain Nathan Thompson will certainly be ruled out as he is assessed by manager Luke Williams to find out how long he will be unavaiable following the reocurrence of a hamstring injury in the FA Cup draw at Eastleigh on Friday. Exeter will also come too soon for Conor Thomas.

James Brophy is good-to-go, however. 

Brophy, the 22-year-old left-back, has struggled with breathing problems twice already this season, but he is now hooked up to a heart monitor that he trains with to keep an eye on him.

Sean Murray meanwhile has had a bout of cramp recently, but has not missed any training and should play at St. James' Park but Jon Obika remains sidelined.

Swindon are required to name six players in their Exeter 18 from the matchday squad that travelled to Eastleigh, failing to do so incur a £5,000 fine.