Round 44 of the 2024-25 League Two season will see Newport County and Walsall go head-to-head against each other at Rodney Parade on Monday afternoon.
After claiming a 2-0 triumph in the reverse fixture, the away side have the opportunity to complete a first-ever league double against their hosts in a meeting between two teams currently undergoing a rough patch.
Match preview
Newport were beaten in five straight matches either side of the new year but seemingly looked to have got back on track with four wins and two draws from the next six outings, which left them with an outside chance of making it through to the promotion playoffs.
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.
Goals have been hard to come by of late for Newport, who have drawn blanks in eight of their 13 matches since mid-February, and it is no surprise they have outscored only six of the remaining 23 teams while also letting in a league-high 70.
Despite their evident struggles at both ends of the pitch, 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.
With 34 of their 48 points this term coming in home matches, the home side look to have narrowly managed to keep themselves afloat and will now set out to complete the job in front of their fans, where they have not won in just over a month.
In what is shaping up to be one of the craziest title races in League Two history, Walsall 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.
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.
Having looked well on course to go all the way at some point, a dismal run of six points from 10 matches since the start of February has left the Saddlers fourth in the table, three points shy of leaders Port Vale.
As things stand, Walsall 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.
While their 74-goal tally is the best of any side in the division, Monday's visitors have often been let down by their defensive frailties, having conceded a whopping 53 goals, at least five goals more than any other team currently vying for promotion.
Team News
Aaron Wildig has not featured for Newport since November due to a knee problem and remains unavailable for this weekend's game alongside fellow Englishman James Clarke and Kyle Jameson.
After three months on the sidelines, 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.
Midfielder Jack Earing is a guaranteed absentee for Walsall here as he continues his personal battle with a long-term ankle issue he suffered towards the back end of 2024.
Meanwhile, the away side could also have to make do with the absence of Priestley Farquharson and Josh Gordon through thigh and hamstring injuries respectively.
Newport County possible starting lineup:
MacGillivray; Offord, Sanders, Maguire; Tomlinson, Lemonheigh-Evans, Thompson-Sommers, O'Reilly; Kelly, Hogan, Hendry
Walsall possible starting lineup:
Simkin; Okagbue, Williams, Allen; Gordon, Jellis, Stirk, Hall, Barrett; Matt, Harrison
We say: Newport County 1-2 Walsall
Both teams have struggled to keep opponents at bay of late, and we expect neither to come away with a clean sheet.
That said, we are also tipping the visitors to secure all three points, albeit via only a narrow margin.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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