FA Cup, 4th round, Tuesday, 11/02/2025 at 9:00 p.m.
The Oddset Freebet is also a great way to redeem FA Cup tickets. And this is exactly where my Exeter Nottingham tip comes into play.
Because in my opinion, the incredibly motivated “Garibaldi Reds” will make short work of the third division club.
If any of the established Premiere League teams make it to the fifth round of the FA Cup, it will be the strong team from Nottinghamshire.
It will be extremely difficult for Exeter City to stop the “Garibaldi Reds”.
After all, the third division club does not have nearly the same financial resources as, for example, the up-and-coming league competitor Wrexham, which is supported by the well-known Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds.
However, the difference in financial resources could ultimately not be the only decisive factor for Exeter City in a possible elimination against Nottingham Forest, especially considering that the club is looking back on a difficult season.
Because Exeter City are not doing well at all. They are among the relegation candidates in League One, and so far this year, the club has not been able to get a single three-pointer in 2025.
This unsuccessful streak makes the league situation look increasingly threatening, especially considering that the relegation place is getting closer and closer.
The only success since the turn of the year was a 3-1 FA Cup win over Oxford United – but even this success should not be overrated. After all, Exeter City have a clear squad disadvantage compared to the higher-ranked teams competing in the FA Cup.
There is little to suggest that Exeter City will be able to pull off a major surprise against Nottingham. The team has not won any of the last four competitive matches against the Premier League club since April 1951.
And even if that offers a long historical perspective, you only have to take a closer look at the season so far to see that Exeter City faces an immense challenge on Tuesday.
On top of that, there is a statistical argument that cannot be easily dismissed: Exeter City have only won one of their last 18 FA Cup matches against first division teams – and that was a long time ago, against Leicester City in 1981.
For Exeter City, making it to the fifth round of the FA Cup would be something of an achievement. The last time they managed it was in 1981. This means that the “Grecians” will need a small football miracle to help them progress this season.
The burden of consistently difficult league games is not likely to be the best preparation for such a cup match, and such a venture is hardly achievable if you take the magnificent atmosphere that currently prevails in Nottingham as a benchmark.
Because on the other hand, Nottingham is showing its best side this season. The “Garibaldi Reds” are currently in a form that has not been seen at this club for a long time.
After suffering a series of embarrassing defeats in this competition in recent years, they have at least not lost their last two FA Cup away games – further proof of the positive turnaround that coach Espirito Santo has brought about.
In fact, not a single reputable betting provider is willing to rule out the possibility that Forest could be taking part in a European competition again next year!
Not only in the FA Cup, but also in the Premier League, Nottingham is increasingly convincing. With a historic 7-0 win over Brighton, which is still making headlines in the English media even 10 days later, the team has made a statement.
The “Garibaldi Reds” definitely have the potential to establish themselves among the top clubs in the Premier League in the coming years, and to teach the third division club a tough football lesson on Tuesday.
For Exeter City, on the other hand, the only question is how long they can withstand the onslaught of the strong Premier League club! Meanwhile, betting providers with a German license are offering Exeter Nottingham odds of around 2.72 if the first division club wins with scores like 0-3, 1-4 or higher.
In bookmaker terms, the specific offer I have in mind for Tuesday is: Nottingham win with handicap -2.
Conclusion: The difference between the two opponents could be evident right from the start. While Exeter City has to fight for every point in the league, Nottingham seems to be on the up and up.
It will therefore be extremely difficult for the third division club to hold their own on Tuesday despite home advantage.
At St. James’ Park, which is significantly smaller than the one in Newcastle upon Tyne, I therefore expect a clear victory for the guests, which almost borders on a landslide victory.
My Exeter Nottingham betting tip is therefore: Forest win with handicap -2.
