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Walsall take on Newport County tonight in bid to kickstart a stuttering campaign so far for the Saddlers.
In juxtaposition with the hosts, Walsall have been inconsistent both home and away so far this season – languishing in 15th, and losing their last four in all competitions, without scoring in the last three. They fell way short of promotion hopefuls Cheltenham Town last time out.
County’s season has been a story of never say die, and nothing defined it more than their win against Port Vale.
After dominating proceedings throughout at Rodney Parade, the Exiles managed to dig out a last minute winner through none other than 41 year-old Kevin Ellison.
.@KEVIN11ELLISON, the finest of wines. ? #EFL | @NewportCounty pic.twitter.com/hWdU0BVkk6
— Sky Bet League Two (@SkyBetLeagueTwo) November 22, 2020
He bagged to see Newport go three points clear of the aforementioned Cheltenham, and a win tonight could see them go six points clear.
The two sides met twice last season, with both games ending goalless. The last time Walsall beat Newport was in 1987, in the old Division Three.
Team News
The visitors are without many injury concerns and have midfielder Alfie Bates available after suspensions. Former Exile George Nurse could return to face his old team after he made 17 appearances for the side in Amber last year.
Newport also have no fresh injury concerns, and manager Mike Flynn will be delighted to maintain the use of the five substitutes rule after Ellison won it so late last time out.
Pre-Match Quotes
“There’s always pressure in every game.
“Nobody can put the pressure that I put on myself anyway, that’s by the by.
“Mine is a pure frustration because I believe this group is underperforming, that’s my frustration.
“You want to get yourself into that top 10 and top seven as quickly as you possibly can and I think we’ve missed good opportunities already this season.”
Darrell Clarke, Walsall manager
“Going forward as a football club, it’s great. We could have two teams and the second team would do alright in League Two as well.
“We have a really strong squad and people are going to be upset because there will be times this season where we aren’t even substitutes because there is competition for places. It makes it better for the lads that are in there because it raises their game.”
Kevin Ellison, Newport forward
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