Newport County breakdown: Abundance of attacking options, injury crisis and how the Gas can punish them

Bristol Rovers make the short trip across the border this weekend and with both sides eyeing up a space in the top seven, the match promises to be an entertaining spectacle.

A much tighter affair is expected in South Wales on Saturday afternoon, compared to the return fixture at the Memorial Stadium back in October.

Despite it being James Rowberry’s first game in charge of Newport County, his side managed to inflict Bristol Rovers with their fifth defeat in nine home games in all competitions.

It has taken time, but Rovers have come on leaps and bounds since then, and since the Gas have returned to league action, following their Covid enforced break, only Mansfield Town have picked up more points than Joey Barton’s side.

On the other hand, County come into this game 17th in the form table, following an incredibly tough run of fixtures. Despite this, draws at home to Forest Green, Mansfield and Oldham, and three points versus Tranmere have helped maintain their strong home record, having lost just three times at Rodney Parade in the league this season.

To get the inside track of what to expect from Newport, we spoke to Chris Kirwan, who is responsible for the coverage of Newport County AFC for the South Wales Argus.

Team news

Former Rovers defender James Clarke will miss the game after being sent off for two yellows against Forest Green on Tuesday.

Defenders Josh Pask (hamstring) and Priestley Farquharson (knee), midfielder Robbie Willmott (calf) and striker Courtney Baker-Richardson (hamstring) are out injured.

Key player

An obvious one but Dom Telford, another former Rovers player.

He has been in sensational form with 24 goals in the league, including a double at the Memorial Stadium.

Telford isn’t just about scoring, however, and has been working hard to set the tone with pressing from the front.

Strengths

They press with intensity and are strong on the counter. They fire plenty of shots and have plenty of attacking threats with loanees Ollie Cooper, Finn Azaz, Jake Cain in midfield.

Crystal Palace striker Rob Street has done well since coming into the side for Baker-Richardson.

Weaknesses

They have shipped some soft goals and games at Rodney Parade haven’t lacked drama.

County will have to rejig their defence because of injury and Clarke’s suspension, while they aren’t the biggest of sides if teams go direct against them. They do give away too many soft free-kicks for my liking.

Prediction for remainder of season

It’s March and you could still see both teams pushing for automatic promotion, let alone the top seven.

I’d be disappointed if County aren’t in the mix come the final few games and I’d imagine most Rovers fans feel the same about their side.

Forest Green are going up and I was very impressed with Mansfield recently but it’s genuinely up for grabs so I’ll swerve a prediction.

Score prediction

I’d be amazed if it was 0-0 and it will be tighter than earlier this season because Rovers appear to be much better. Score draw.