Newport County vs Walsall predictions for Friday’s League Two fixture at Rodney Parade. On Friday evening, Newport County welcomes Walsall, aiming for a victory to distance themselves from the League Two relegation threat. Read on for our free betting tips and predictions.
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Match Live Friday, 20th October at 7:45 pm In:
Newport County vs Walsall Predictions
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A Crucial Friday Night Clash
Key Stats
– Walsall have shown a pattern: following a heavy defeat with a convincing win.
– William Albert Evans of Newport is the top scorer with 9 goals this season.
In the ever-changing world of League Two football, the landscape can shift rapidly. Newport County, once promotion contenders, now find themselves on the brink of the relegation abyss. Meanwhile, Walsall, just a point away from the playoffs, aim to prove their mettle.
From Top Contenders to Relegation Battles
Newport’s journey this season has been tumultuous. The team, which began with such promise, seems to have lost its way. Their descent from promotion hopefuls to the brink of relegation in a matter of weeks is alarming. Their victory over Colchester United, which came on October 3, is their only glimmer of hope in the last eight league games. This fall from grace places them in 20th position in the table.
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A significant concern for Graham Coughlan’s Newport is their defence. Despite boasting an impressive attacking record, Newport’s defensive fragility has seen them concede repeatedly, with no clean sheets since their win against Forest Green Rovers in August.
Walsall’s Journey of Hope
On the flip side, Walsall, under new head coach Matt Sadler, have been nothing if not resilient. While their 4-0 defeat at Sutton United raised eyebrows, their response—a 4-1 win over Gillingham—showed character. Currently sitting in 13th, a win against Newport would drastically improve their season outlook.
The Game Changers
Should Coughlan make changes to the Newport XI, Matthew Bondswell and Declan Drysdale seem poised for inclusion. Newport’s goalkeeper, Nick Townsend, has been replaced by Jon Maxted, who is expected to continue in goal.
Walsall’s hat-trick hero, Isaac Hutchinson, will be a man to watch. After his stellar performance against Gillingham, he’ll be brimming with confidence. However, one more yellow card will see him, along with Oisin McEntee and Ryan Stirk, face suspension.
Where The Game Will Be Won
The midfield battle is expected to be crucial. Newport’s Sebastian Palmer-Houlden and Walsall’s Ryan Stirk are pivotal players for their respective teams and could dictate the game’s tempo.
While Newport can rely on the goal-scoring prowess of William Albert Evans, with 9 goals this season, Walsall has both Hutchinson and Freddie Draper, each with 5 goals. The game could swing either way based on the performance of these front men.
Opinions on Team Strategies
Newport: They’ve shown an attacking flair, but their defensive woes need addressing. Their vulnerability at the back, combined with a lack of clean sheets, highlights the need for a more balanced approach.
Walsall: The team’s resilience is commendable, but inconsistency remains an issue. While their attacking responses post heavy defeats are impressive, they need a steadier defensive setup.
Managerial Insights
Graham Coughlan, while having previously shown promise, seems to be struggling to motivate his Newport side. A more tactical approach, especially in shoring up the defence, is needed.
Matt Sadler, though a new addition at Walsall, has shown glimpses of tactical acumen. His ability to rally the troops after heavy defeats deserves praise.
The Predictions
- Win-Draw-Win: Considering Newport’s impressive home record and Walsall’s fighting spirit, a draw seems a plausible outcome.
- Correct Score Prediction: Given the recent form of both teams, a 2-2 draw seems likely.
- Goal Scorer Prediction: William Albert Evans of Newport is a strong contender, having found the net 9 times this season. For Walsall, Isaac Hutchinson, fresh from his hat-trick, is the man to watch.
- First Half Result: With both teams keen to make a mark, a 1-1 score at halftime could be on the cards.
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