First in Sky Bet League Two until last weekend, the Grecians were absolutely flying early on and in mid-September they were eight points clear of the Hatters.
However, Town's form tied with City's pace slowing down now means Jones' team could go above Tisdale's side with a win tonight.
With six wins from their last seven, and the 7-1 drubbing of Stevenage filling the Hatters' sails, they find themselves top of the form table for the last six games, three points ahead of anyone else in that time.
Exeter are ninth in that form table, having picked up 10 points from their last six matches.
THE GAFFER SAYS:
On Exeter: "They are very experienced at this level. They have a real settled squad. They have been early pace-setters in terms of the league – them and Notts County have been neck and neck, and they are a good side.
"They have dangerous individuals, they know what they are doing. They can surprise you with the system now and again as well, but look, it will be a real tough test. We know that. We always have tough games against them. Both our games ended in draws last year, apart from the FA Cup game, and we know it will be a tough test with two sides who are in good form coming up against each other, so hopefully it'll be a good game.
"It's definitely not a must-win because what would happen if one of the sides doesn't win it? We want to win it because we want to continue our good form, we want to climb the table and we want to reach a good points tally. But look, there's a psychological edge maybe, but there's two good sides going up against each other, it's a test to find out where we are.
"In recent weeks we've gone up against sides who've been in the play-off places and are right in and around us, and we've fared very well. We want to continue that.
"We knew this was a tough month on paper in terms of respective opponents and who we were playing. We knew that and we focussed for that."This time last year Exeter were bottom of the league – next thing you know they had a fantastic run and got in the play-offs. Lots can happen throughout the season, and all we can focus on is us. The next game is a tough one against real good opposition, but they are all tough at this level."
On his side's form: "We are pleased because we are not losing games and we are picking up points. That's the main thing. We are above two points a game at the minute, which is a benchmark to get promoted. But we have to continue that. It's only 13 games. We are just under a third of the way through the season so it's a long, long way to go.
"But we are in a good place. We are playing well. We know we are playing well, we are scoring goals, we look like we can win games, which is a real bonus. We've got good competition and the squad's in a good place, so we are happy at the minute. But we have to work hard to make sure that continues."
WHO?
Currently occupying second in Sky Bet League Two – only off top spot on goal difference – Exeter are looking to go one better from last season's play-off final heartbreak as they hunt for promotion this term. Reuben Reid and record signing Jayden Stockley have been finding the net regularly for the Grecians so far this season, with the two hitting 11 goals between them.
St James Park is currently being redeveloped and as a result has seen their stadium capacity drop to just over 6,000.
WHEN AND WHERE?
Kick-off is at 7:45pm at St James Park.
TICKET INFORMATION
The Hatters have sold out their 350-ticket allocation for this evening's game.
LAST TIME WE PLAYED?
The Hatters last played Exeter in March earlier on this year when Danny Hylton's strike cancelled out Jake Taylor's effort – who had been set-up by Jack Stacey. Of the 66 meetings between us and the Grecians, we have won 34, drawn 15 and been defeated 17 times.
FOLLOW THE ACTION
Tonight's game is being 'beamed back' to Kenilworth Road for supporters who aren't making the trip to St James Park, so if you're not heading down to Devon, get over to the Kenny!
You can also follow the Hatters' Twitter feed on @LutonTown, or stay up to date on the LTFC website in the match centre. iFollow Hatters subscribers can tune in for Simon Pitts' match commentary, whilst international subscribers can watch the game live.
