Walsall vs Newport County: The inside track
Express & Star spoke to South Wales Argus sports reporter Chris Kirwan to get the lowdown on Newport County ahead of their clash with Walsall at Bescot on Sunday.
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1. Newport have collected just one win in eight games in League Two. Are there genuine concerns that they could be sucked into a relegation battle?
They are closer to the play-offs than the relegation zone but I think the aim is still to avoid getting dragged into a battle.
They should have enough to avoid that because they’ve actually done pretty well of late with good points on the road against Notts County, AFC Wimbledon and Colchester before the really good win over MK Dons.
The gap is still a healthy one, but the Morecambe game in Newport next weekend could be big.
2.What do you think the main reasons are behind their struggle for form of late?
They’ve battled hard for points but haven’t really got into their flow, MK apart. The aim is to be a possession-based side but they are some way off that.
Their defending was awful at Bromley on Boxing Day and they can’t afford to be so sloppy at set plays.
3. Nelson Jardim labelled the importance in the 5-2 defeat at Bramble as "not good enough". How do you assess his first season at the helm so far?
Steady and his points tally is better than most were predicting after a big summer of change.
He was brought in by owner Huw Jenkins to lead the transition to a new style and the head coach has constantly stressed that he wants to be “comfortable” in the table before pushing on with big changes.
They need a good January (or the strugglers to have an awful month) for that to happen.
4.Who is the biggest dangerman who Walsall will need to keep an eye on?
Kieron Evans is spending the season on loan with County from Cardiff and is a talented player.
He’s pushed back deeper after the loss of captain Aaron Wildig but is undoubtedly more effective higher up either in the ‘10’ role or out wide.
He scored a lovely goal at Bromley and County will need his composure on the ball to soak up Walsall pressure.
5. How are things on the injury front?
Not too bad, although Wildig is out for the rest of the season after rupturing knee ligaments. Striker Courtney Baker-Richardson also has a little bit to go in his recovery from a calf problem.
6. Prediction?
I’d love to see a repeat of last season’s 3-0 but it’s unlikely! If County could get another hard-earned point on the road then they would be thrilled but sadly I fear a 3-1 home win, probably with a Jamille Matt goal.
