Newportvs.Swindon

The Exiles will be low on confidence after losing again last time out, while the Robins will be looking to make it back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.

Match preview

Nelson Jardim's Newport have now lost four consecutive games following their disappointing defeat against Port Vale on Sunday, a run of poor form that has left them 20th in the fourth tier.

Friday's hosts may consider themselves lucky to still be above the relegation zone, but they will be feeling the pressure considering they are just six points ahead of 23rd-placed Morecambe, and all of the teams below them in the table have won more recently.

The Exiles' last victory came in a nine-goal spectacle against MK Dons just before Christmas, and hat-tricks from both Bryn Morris - who has since left the club - and Bobby Kamwa gave Newport all three points in the 6-3 win.

That victory ended a six-game winless streak in League Two, but given that Jardim's side have not won since, they have now registered just one win from their last 11 league fixtures.

This week, Newport will be desperate to keep their distance from the relegation zone, though with the joint-worst defensive record in the division, avoiding a fifth defeat in a row will be no small accomplishment.

Meanwhile, Ian Holloway's Swindon are in mixed form at the moment but have still fared considerably better than their opponents in recent weeks.

The Robins are currently 19th in League Two - one place and two points above the Exiles - and have lost just one of their last seven games in the fourth tier.

Over the past month, Friday's visitors have also drawn three and won three league matches, and picked up all three points in a 2-0 victory over Barrow at home last time out thanks to Nnamdi Ofoborh's first goal for the club and a late strike from Harry Smith.

That result took Holloway's side eight points clear of the drop zone, though it is important to highlight that they have played at least two games more than every team behind them, and three more than both Newport and Accrington Stanley.

Another win this week could take Swindon as high as 16th in the table, as well as 11 points clear of Morecambe, and the Robins may see a game against League Two's weakest defence as the perfect opportunity to solidify their status in the division.

Newport County League Two form:

D

W

L

L

L

L

Swindon Town League Two form:

D

D

W

L

D

W

Swindon Town form (all competitions):

D

W

L

D

L

W

Team News

Newport are likely to be without centre-back Ciaran Brennan, who went off with a dislocated shoulder against Port Vale, though his replacement, Kyle Jameson, was later sent off in that match and will not be available this week as a result.

In their absence, Jardim could select James Clarke to start alongside Matthew Baker in the backline on Friday, and the boss is expected to look for defensive options in the transfer market.

Elsewhere, the Exiles have signed versatile forward Josh Martin after he left Notts County, and the new man is likely to feature on the bench.

As for Swindon, they are said to be pushing to agree a loan deal for Crystal Palace youngster Jaydan Raymond, who would add some much-needed firepower to the Robins' attack.

For now, top scorer Harry Smith is likely to start up front alongside Aaron Drinan once again, with Kabongo Tshimanga offering support.

Newport County possible starting lineup:

Carney; Evans, Clarke, Baker, McLoughlin; Evans, Antwi; Ajiboye, Whitmore, Kamwa; Greaves

Swindon Town possible starting lineup:

Bycroft; Clarke, Wright, Delaney; Sobowale, Kilkenny, Ofoborh, Cox; Tshimanga, Drinan, Smith

We say: Newport County 1-2 Swindon Town

Newport will be desperate to stop the rot this week and put points on the board for the first time in 2025, and they could deliver a spirited performance.

Written by

Anthony Nolan

Previews by email