Newport County (home)
- Newport have won two of their last three matches at Rodney Parade, but have conceded an average of 1.59 goals per game at home all season.
- Newport County’s recent resurgence has been driven by the appointment of Christian Fuchs as manager, but their playing style and results have been mixed of late.
- Fuchs employs a 3-5-2 system in which his wing-backs provide width and service to his target striker, and he favours a pragmatic approach, with his side looking to sit compact and counterattack.
Oldham Athletic (away)
- Oldham have won eight of their 22 away games in League Two, averaging just 1.05 goals per-game conceded on their travels.
- Oldham Athletic are on a run of three straight losses in League Two, having lost consecutively to Shrewsbury Town and Barrow away from home.
- Micky Mellon’s team favour a high-press, route one style, in which they look to overwhelm teams with physical players and wing-backs that like to get forward.
Head-to-Head
- The hosts have a good recent record at home, but given Oldham’s superior position in the league, their dominance in the last head-to-head between the two teams in League Two (a 3-0 win at Boundary Park five months ago), and Newport’s issues in defence, we’re backing Oldham to get the win at 2.43 odds.
- The hosts, who sit 22nd with 37 points after 44 games, face 11th-placed Oldham Athletic, who have 65 points from the same number of games.
Key Players
- Nathaniel Opoku is Newport’s main attacking threat; he has scored six goals in 30 League Two games this season, providing a physical presence up top.
- Jamie Robson is Oldham’s key playmaker, having provided three assists and scored one goal in his last five appearances for the Latics.
Betting Insights
- Under 2.5 goals, a popular bet on this fixture, is available at 1.78 odds, but we feel that’s a bit too short.
- A similar bet - Both Teams to Score - No - is available at a more attractive 1.96 odds.
Prediction
Both teams are likely to sit deep and play conservatively, and it would be no surprise if both were unable to break the other down.
