Eastleigh vs Newport County Predictions for Tuesday’s FA Cup clash. Low-ranked Eastleigh from the National League and League Two’s Newport County face off in Tuesday’s third-round replay, vying for a chance to host one of English football’s giants later this month. Read on for all our free predictions and betting tips.
FA Cup | Third Round Replays – Jan 16, 2024 at 7.45pm UK at Silverlake Stadium
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Eastleigh vs Newport County Predictions
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Clash of the Underdogs: Eastleigh and Newport’s Battle for a Dream Fourth Round
Key Stats
– Newport’s Balanced Attack: Newport’s 1.4 goals per game average, coupled with a more stable defence than Eastleigh’s, gives them a slight edge.
– Head-to-Head Equilibrium: The teams’ previous encounter ended in a 1-1 draw, highlighting the closely matched nature of their competition.
In a fascinating third-round replay of the FA Cup, National League side Eastleigh is set to host League Two’s Newport County. The stakes are high as the winner earns a prestigious fourth-round clash with Manchester United. This matchup at the Silverlake Stadium promises to be a tightly contested affair, following their 1-1 draw in the initial encounter.
Team Overview
Eastleigh’s Resilient Journey
Eastleigh’s performance in the FA Cup has been nothing short of heroic, overcoming odds despite being one of the two non-league sides left in the competition. Their journey saw them defeating Dover Athletic, Boreham Wood, and Reading, showcasing their capability to surprise higher-tier teams. Despite their recent dip in form, they have shown resilience, especially at home, where they have rarely lost in FA Cup proper matches.
Newport County’s Replay Expertise
Newport County, known for their proficiency in replays, have a history of turning around initial draws in the FA Cup. Their recent form has been more consistent than Eastleigh’s, including a morale-boosting win against Doncaster Rovers. However, their track record in third-round replays has been less favourable, adding an intriguing layer to this contest.
Tactical Analysis
Eastleigh’s Strategy
Eastleigh tends to focus on a robust defensive structure, which is evident from their ability to play with ten men and still secure a draw in the first match. Their top scorer, Paul McCallum, along with Scott Quigley and Chris Maguire, bring significant threat upfront. However, their defensive frailties, as indicated by their high goals conceded per game, might be a concern.
Newport’s Approach
Newport County displays a more balanced style, with a slightly better defensive record than Eastleigh. Their attacking prowess, led by Will Evans and Omar Bogle, could exploit Eastleigh’s vulnerabilities. However, their own defensive inconsistencies could see them struggle to maintain a clean sheet.
Managerial Insight
Richard Hill’s Grit
Eastleigh’s manager Richard Hill has instilled a sense of belief and fighting spirit in his team. His ability to motivate a non-league team to such heights in the FA Cup is commendable. However, his tactical rigidity could be a point of criticism, especially when adapting to game developments.
Graham Coughlan’s Consistency
Coughlan has managed to keep Newport County steady, particularly in replays. His experience in these scenarios could be advantageous. However, his inability to push the team past the third round in the FA Cup raises questions about his strategic acumen in crucial matches.
Key Player Duels
The midfield battle will be crucial, with Eastleigh’s Jayden Harris and Jake Taylor needing to contain Newport’s dynamic midfield duo of Bryn Morris and Adam Lewis. Additionally, the defensive tussle between Eastleigh’s Ludwig Francillette and Newport’s Will Evans could be decisive.
Expected Lineups and Commentary
Eastleigh: McDonnell; Boldewijn, Croll, Francillette, Hodson, Clements; Atangana, Taylor, Maguire; McCallum, Quigley. The absence of Langston might affect their defensive line, but the attacking setup, led by McCallum, remains strong.
Newport County: Townsend; Payne, Delaney, Clarke; McLoughlin, Bennett, Waite, Morris, Lewis; Evans, Palmer-Houlden. Newport’s lineup, balanced between defence and attack, shows a slight shift with Payne potentially playing a central role, which could impact their defensive solidity.
Game Dynamics and Areas of Decision
The midfield will be a critical area, where the game could swing in favour of either team. Key duels, especially between the creative midfielders and strikers of both teams, will likely determine the flow of the match. Eastleigh will rely on their resilience and home support, while Newport will aim to exploit any gaps in Eastleigh’s defence.
Suggestions for Improvement
Eastleigh needs to tighten their defence without compromising their attacking output. Newport, on the other hand, must capitalise on their balanced team structure to control the game’s tempo and create more clear-cut chances.
Predictions and Rationale
Prediction 1: Both Teams to Score
Given both teams’ scoring ability and defensive vulnerabilities, a prediction of both teams scoring is justified. Eastleigh, with 1.7 goals per game, and Newport, averaging 1.4 goals per game, have demonstrated their capacity to find the net. Additionally, the previous encounter between the two ended in a 1-1 draw, suggesting that both sides have the capability to breach each other’s defences.
Prediction 2: Correct Score – Eastleigh 1-2 Newport County
A close contest is anticipated, but Newport’s slightly superior form in recent matches gives them an edge. Eastleigh’s home advantage is counterbalanced by their defensive issues, suggesting Newport might just edge this with a 2-1 victory, reflecting the competitive nature of the tie and the teams’ respective strengths and weaknesses.
Prediction 3: Goalscorer – Paul McCallum to Score
Paul McCallum, Eastleigh’s leading scorer with 22 goals, is a prime candidate to score. His impressive tally and pivotal role in Eastleigh’s attack make him a likely scorer, especially considering the importance of the match.
Prediction 4: Corner Prediction – More Corners for Newport County, Total Over 9
Newport’s attacking play and tendency to win corners suggest they might earn more in this match. Given the stakes of the game and both teams’ attacking intents, a total of over 9 corners for the match seems plausible.
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