MX23RW : Thursday, April 14 01:41:32| >> :120:9033:9033:
[monks data]
Apr 15, 2022 at 3pm UK at Rodney Parade
Newport
vs.
Crawley

Preview: Newport County vs. Crawley Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Sports Mole previews Friday's League Two clash between Newport County and Crawley Town, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.

Newport County will be looking to keep hold of their playoff place when they play host to Crawley Town on Friday.

The hosts are aiming to collect back-to-back victories, while the Reds enter the contest in impressive form after winning three of their last four matches.


Match preview

Crawley Town manager John Yems and Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa during the FA Cup clash on January 10, 2021© Reuters

Newport find themselves involved in an almighty tussle to seal a place in the League Two playoffs, and their push for the top seven received a timely boost last weekend courtesy of a 1-0 away win over Swindon Town.

The encounter with the Robins seemed to be drifting towards a goalless draw, however, a 90th-minute own goal from Dion Conroy saw the Exiles snatch all three points in dramatic fashion.

Not only did that result end a run of three games without a win for Newport, but it also lifted James Rowberry's side into the playoff places.

Although they now sit in seventh position, Newport must continue to pick up victories with the likes of Salford City, Tranmere Rovers and Sutton United hot on their heels.

The Exiles will know they face a tough test on Saturday against a Crawley side that are enjoying a promising run of form, but with the hosts boasting the best goalscoring record at home in League Two this season, they will be confident that they have the firepower to overcome the Reds.

Crawley, meanwhile, sit in 12th place ahead of Friday's encounter, with the Reds hoping to maintain that position as they bid to finish in the top half of the table.

Friday's visitors have turned a corner in recent weeks after a 3-1 win over Swindon on March 19 ended a five-game winless run.

Since that victory, John Yems has overseen two further victories and one defeat with the most recent win occurring last weekend, when Crawley played host to Barrow.

The contest required just one goal to decide the result, with Kwesi Appiah scoring what proved to be the winner in the 57th minute.

Despite experiencing an upturn in fortunes, Crawley will be concerned that their last three away games have all ended in defeat.

After conceding eight goals across that triple-header, Yems will be looking for a strong defensive performance from his side on Friday.

Newport County League Two form:
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • D
  • L
  • W

Crawley Town League Two form:
  • L
  • L
  • W
  • W
  • L
  • W



Team News

Robbie Willmott was forced off for Newport last weekend after picking up an injury and the 31-year-old is a doubt for Friday's contest.

Jake Cain, meanwhile, could come into the starting lineup, while Josh Pask may return to the squad following an injury layoff.

Newport could also bring Dom Telford into the starting XI, with the striker set to partner Rob Street upfront.

Joel Lynch returned from injury to feature as a second-half substitute last weekend, and he could come into the side on Friday to start alongside Ludwig Francillette and George Francomb in the back three.

If Lynch does return to the starting lineup then Jake Hessenthaler is likely to move from the backline into the centre of midfield.

Appiah scored his 11th league goal of the season last time out, and he is expected to lead the line for the visitors against Newport.

Newport County possible starting lineup:
Day; Norman, Clarke, Demetriou, Lewis; Azaz, Bennett, Cain, Waite; Street, Telford

Crawley Town possible starting lineup:
Morris; Francomb, Francillette, Lynch; Tilley, Hessenthaler, Payne, Ferry; Appiah, Nichols, Nadesan


SM words green background

We say: Newport County 2-1 Crawley Town

Crawley may have won three of their last four matches, but all of those wins took place on home turf and with Newport determined to keep hold of their playoff spot, we think that the hosts will edge out the Reds on Friday.


ID:483238:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect8263:

Previews by email

Click here to get Sports Mole's daily email of previews and predictions for every major game!


Who will win Friday's League Two clash between Newport and Crawley?

Newport County
Draw
Crawley Town
Newport County
0.0%
Draw
0.0%
Crawley Town
0.0%
0
Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Did you know...?
Chris Maguire celebrates scoring for Sunderland on January 11, 2020
Read Next:
Sunderland hand Chris Maguire new one-year deal
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.

rhs 2.0
Todays Game Header Right
Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Forest Green RoversForest Green402213569333679
2Exeter CityExeter402014658362274
3Port Vale412012963392472
4Mansfield TownMansfield402091157441369
5Northampton TownNorthampton4119101247341367
6Bristol Rovers4119101256451167
7Newport CountyNewport4118121163501366
8Salford City4118111252361665
9Tranmere RoversTranmere4118111247371065
10Sutton UnitedSutton4018101259461364
11Swindon TownSwindon4017111262491362
12Crawley TownCrawley40159165055-554
13Hartlepool UnitedHartlepool411411164255-1353
14Leyton Orient4111161453411249
15Bradford CityBradford411115154449-548
16Rochdale411017144451-747
17Harrogate TownHarrogate411211185765-847
18Walsall411211184254-1247
19Carlisle UnitedCarlisle411211183655-1947
20Colchester UnitedColchester411112183955-1645
21Barrow40813193448-1437
22Oldham AthleticOldham41910224264-2237
23Stevenage40813193661-2537
24Scunthorpe UnitedScunthorpe41412252676-5024

Subscribe to our Newsletter


Match previews - Daily
Transfer Talk Daily
Morning Briefing (7am UTC)
Ultra close-up image of Kevin De Bruyne [NOT FOR USE IN ARTICLES]Get the latest transfer news, match previews and news direct to your inbox!