Huddersfield vs Exeter City: recent meetings point to a tight FA Cup tie

Exeter face a higher-placed opponent

Exeter City arrive at John Smith’s Stadium from League Two, where they are 12th on 19 points after 14 matches. Their FA Cup first-round opponents Huddersfield lead League One with 29 points from the same number of games, setting up a meeting between clubs in different divisions.

The recent meetings offer a more nuanced picture than the league gap alone. Huddersfield have generally had the upper hand, yet Exeter’s draw in the latest match suggests they can make this a contest.

Contrasting league runs

Huddersfield’s last five league games have brought four wins and a draw, with the most recent ending level. Exeter’s last five have produced three wins, a draw and a defeat, and they come into the cup after losing their latest league match.

That form gives Huddersfield the stronger platform, though the cup tie will be decided on the day rather than by league position.

Huddersfield hold the head-to-head edge

Huddersfield have won three of the last five meetings, with Exeter winning once and one match drawn. Three of those five games featured two goals or fewer, so the series has often been close on the scoreboard.

The latest encounter, in January 2026 in League One, finished 2-2 at Huddersfield. Before that, Huddersfield won 1-0 away at Exeter in September 2025, while Exeter had claimed a 3-1 home victory in April. Those results show both sides have found ways to trouble the other, even as Huddersfield’s overall record stands out.

Our prediction

Huddersfield’s leading position in League One and their recent run make them the more convincing choice, while their head-to-head advantage adds weight to that case. Exeter’s latest draw against them offers a warning against expecting an easy afternoon, but Huddersfield are favoured to edge a low-scoring tie.

Huddersfield 1-0 Exeter City