Newport County vs Walsall: League Two Clash Preview
As the 2024-25 League Two season reaches its climax, Newport County and Walsall are set to face off at Rodney Parade on Monday afternoon. According to Sports Mole, the away side, Walsall, will be looking to complete a first-ever league double against their hosts.
The match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams currently undergoing a rough patch. Newport County were beaten in five straight matches either side of the new year but seemed to have got back on track with four wins and two draws from the next six outings. However, Sports Mole reports that Nelson Jardim’s men have since won just two of their last 12 outings, managing just eight points from a possible 36 following their goalless stalemate against Milton Keynes Dons at Stadium MK on Friday.
Newport County’s struggles have been evident in their goal-scoring, with the team drawing blanks in eight of their 13 matches since mid-February. Sports Mole notes that they have outscored only six of the remaining 23 teams while also letting in a league-high 70 goals. Despite their evident struggles, Yr Alltudion will take to the field on Monday needing just two points from their final three matches to guarantee safety and extend their 12-year stay in League Two.
Walsall, on the other hand, were dealt a huge blow by Harrogate Town courtesy of a 2-2 stalemate when the teams went head-to-head at the Bescot Stadium on Friday. Sports Mole reports that Mat Sadler’s men had taken the lead after just 15 minutes but headed into the final knockings trailing, after which Liam Gordon popped up with a late leveller to force a share of the spoils and avoid a third straight defeat for his side.
In what is shaping up to be one of the craziest title races in League Two history, Walsall are currently fourth in the table, three points shy of leaders Port Vale. Sports Mole notes that the Saddlers would have to navigate the playoffs to secure promotion to League One, but there is still significant room for change given how close the top four teams are heading into the final three matches.
The teams have injury concerns ahead of the match, with Newport County’s Aaron Wildig, James Clarke, and Kyle Jameson all unavailable due to injury. Sports Mole reports that Thomas Davies is closing in on a return to action from a hamstring injury, but Monday’s game is expected to come too soon for the 21-year-old.
Walsall will be without midfielder Jack Earing due to a long-term ankle issue, while Priestley Farquharson and Josh Gordon may also miss out through thigh and hamstring injuries respectively. Sports Mole has predicted a 1-2 win for Walsall, with both teams struggling to keep opponents at bay.
In terms of possible lineups, Sports Mole has suggested that Newport County may line up with MacGillivray; Offord, Sanders, Maguire; Tomlinson, Lemonheigh-Evans, Thompson-Sommers, O’Reilly; Kelly, Hogan, Hendry, while Walsall may start with Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Allen; Gordon, Jellis, Stirk, Hall, Barrett; Matt, Harrison.
Overall, the match promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to secure a vital win. According to Sports Mole, Walsall may have the edge, but Newport County will be looking to cause an upset and secure a vital win in front of their home fans.
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