Preview: Newport County vs. Doncaster Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

Separated by only six points, the Exiles could move further away from the relegation zone with a win depending on other results. Meanwhile, three points could move Doncaster into the top half of the table.

Match preview

Newport County have been in League Two for nine seasons, only appearing in the playoffs on two occasions - a tally they look unlikely to improve upon this season.

However, Graham Coughlan's side did come from behind to defeat Crewe Alexandra last time out, as second-half goals from Cameron Norman and Offrande Zanzala overturned Lachlan Brook's 13th-minute opener for the hosts.

Prior to their comeback victory at the Mornflake Stadium, Priestley Farquharson's goal was not enough for Newport County, as David McGoldrick's 88th-minute winner was enough to see Derby County progress to the third round of the FA Cup.

With defeat to the Rams bringing a conclusion to the Exiles' cup dreams for at least another season, Newport suffered a 3-1 loss at the hands of MK Dons in the EFL Trophy.

Sitting in 18th position, eight points ahead of the relegation zone, a victory for Newport County will surely boost confidence within the Exiles' dressing room.

Now under the guidance of former Huddersfield Town manager Danny Schofield, Doncaster Rovers will face Newport County for the first time since February 2017, when the sides played out an uninspiring goalless draw.

After being relegated from League One last season, Rovers have only been victorious twice in their previous five matches, leaving Schofield's side in 13th position heading into the contest at Rodney Parade.

Most recently, Doncaster suffered a 2-0 defeat at Eco-Power Stadium to in-form Walsall, with goals from Tom Knowles and on-loan Mansfield Town striker Danny Johnson enough to secure victory for the Saddlers.

With no involvement in the second round of the FA Cup, unlike Saturday's hosts, after being knocked out by non-league King's Lynn Town, Schofield's side will want to return to winning ways sooner than later.

Newport County League Two form:

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Newport County form (all competitions):

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Doncaster Rovers League Two form:

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Doncaster Rovers form (all competitions):

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Team News

Newport County manager Graham Coughlan will again be relying on Omar Bogle, with the summer recruit the current Exiles' top scorer with seven goals this season.

After coming off the bench to score the winner against Crewe Alexandra, Offrande Zanzala could take the place of Will Evans in Newport's starting lineup.

Danny Schofield's patterned 3-4-3 formation left former employers Huddersfield Town languishing at the bottom of the Championship table before he departed from the John Smith's Stadium.

In the wake of the defeat against Walsall, Schofield could make alterations to his starting lineup, with midfielder Kyle Hurst potentially coming into the side in place of Ben Close.

Jon Taylor and Kieran Agard could also be handed starting roles for Doncaster after coming off the substitutes' bench in their last match.

Newport County possible starting lineup:

Day; Drysdale, Farquharson, Demetriou; Lewis, Norman, Moriah-Welsh, Bennett, Waite; Bogle, Evans

Doncaster Rovers possible starting lineup:

Mitchell; Williams, Anderson, Biggins; Knoyle Clayton, Rowe, Hurst; Taylor, Agard, Miller

We say: Newport County 1-1 Doncaster Rovers

In pursuit of their first victory in three matches, Doncaster Rovers will again look to top scorer George Miller if they are to get anything from a tricky expedition to Newport County.

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