Newport County vs Stevenage Predictions

There are already several sides in the running for the League Two title who most will have expected to be there or thereabouts at the start of the season, but two sides who perhaps would not have been expected to feature are Newport County and Stevenage. This weekend the two sides come together at Rodney Parade, with the winner taking a big step towards their promotion ambitions being achieved.

Successive draws have held back Newport County but Michael Flynn’s men are still in a strong position just four points off the top spot. A key factor in County’s brilliant start has been their ability to find the back of the net and even though they have dropped points in their previous two matches, they have still managed to score eight times in their last three league matches. However, a worrying trend is how leaky their defence is becoming and this is shown perfectly by the fact they have conceded 12 times in their previous five league matches.

Stevenage will have something to prove after a humiliating 8-0 home defeat by Charlton, albeit in the much-maligned Checkatrade Trophy. Unlike their hosts, Stevenage have based much of their success on their ability to keep the opposition at bay and much of their results have come courtesy of shutting their opponents out and grabbing one or two at the other end. However, a 3-1 victory over Colchester last weekend certainly shows that they have the capabilities to be a threat in front of goal and this aspect of their game should not be underestimated.

Given that Stevenage have an excellent record in the head to head between these two sides and usually come out on top, they will certainly fancy their chances of a result. However, Newport are one of the most in form sides in the division at the moment and have the firepower to cause any side at this level concern. With this in mind, we think that backing both teams to score represents the best opportunity of a decent return.