Preview: Newport County vs. Carlisle United - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are in contrasting form right now as they have lost all four of their most recent matches, leaving them just three points above the League Two relegation zone.

Match preview

Newport County suffered a 2-1 defeat against Forest Green in their midweek Football League Trophy match, with a 92nd-minute goal from Will Evans being nothing more than a consolation.

This continued the difficult season that James Rowberry's men are having right now, which is why the club currently finds itself 19th in the league table.

So far the Exiles have only managed to win two games in League Two this season against Harrogate Town and Tranmere Rovers, but both of them took place last month.

Since defeating Harrogate, Rowberry's team have struggled massively when it comes to their offensive qualities which has led to them losing a trio of matches.

Throughout that period Newport County have not scored a single goal, which is a cause for concern, and something they will want to address for this weekend.

The visitors have not had as many difficulties finding the back of the net, as they already have 10 goals in League Two this season.

Carlisle United also picked up a victory in midweek which will have provided confidence to the group as they defeated Fleetwood Town in the Football League Trophy.

However, the Blues left things late as it was a 90th-minute equaliser from Duncan Idehen that took the game to penalties, where they eventually came out on top.

That follows on three consecutive league matches where Carlisle have not been beaten, with two draws being followed by a 2-1 victory against AFC Wimbledon last weekend.

While trusted attackers Callum Guy and Kristian Dennis were on target in that match, the Blues will be hoping to secure their first away win of their League Two campaign on Saturday.

Newport County League Two form:

L

W

W

L

L

L

Newport County form (all competitions):

W

W

L

L

L

L

Carlisle United League Two form:

D

L

W

D

D

W

Carlisle United form (all competitions):

W

L

D

D

W

D

Team News

Matty Dolan has been a consistent part of the Newport County starting lineup this season, and the club captain will likely find himself in the heart of the midfield on Saturday.

Considering the fact that the Exiles have been struggling for goals as of late in the league, Evans is someone that could be retained in the starting XI after he scored in midweek.

Carlisle United were dealt a concerning injury blow in midweek when Omari Patrick had to be replaced due to a hamstring issue, and that is a problem that Dennis is also dealing with.

Paul Simpson does believe that both men will be available on Saturday, which is a positive situation for the Blues due to how important both men are.

Newport County possible starting lineup:

Day; Norman, Clarke, Drysdale, Lewis; Evans, Dolan, Bowen, Waite; Zimba, Bogle

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:

Holy; Back, Feeney, Huntington, Mellish, Armer; Gibson, Moxon, Guy; Patrick, Dennis

We say: Newport County 0-2 Carlisle United

Newport County might have the home advantage in this fixture, but that does not mean they will be considered the favourites heading into Saturday.

The Exiles have struggled when it comes to finding the back of the net as of late, and considering the strong run that Carlisle United are enjoying they should be expected to win this one.

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