PREVIEW: Swindon Town v Newport County

SWINDON TOWN will aim to make it three consecutive league wins for the first time this season as they host Newport County in Saturday’s League Two clash. Total Sport Swindon’s Ryan Walker previews the fixture.

Less than a week after Swindon Town exited the FA Cup in a shock home defeat against non-league Woking, manager Richie Wellens will aim to get his side back on track with a victory over playoff chasers Newport. 

A 2-0 victory over Stevenage in their last league match saw Swindon rise to 12th in the League Two table on 27 points. 

However, against a Newport County side eight places and eight points better off in the league standings, means Richie Wellens will be in for his toughest test yet as Robins boss.

Beating Swindon both home and away last season puts the visitors in good stead as they travel to Wiltshire looking to secure all three points. 

However, a poor run of recent results that has seen Michael Flynn’s Newport win just two of their last seven league games will give confidence to a Town side looking to climb the league table. 

Since his arrival at SN1 nearly a month ago, Wellens is starting to see the benefits of his demanding training sessions come to fruition as the Robins adapt to a new style of play with high tempo and quick passing at its heart.

But despite a change of manager, the concurrent theme of struggles in front of goal has continued to plague the Wiltshire club as Wellens is left with a striker dilemma ahead of Saturday’s match. 

Loanee striker Elijah Adebayo has failed to live up to his potential, experienced striker Marc Richards appears to be at the end of his career, Kaiyne Woolery remains injury prone, whilst youth academy product Sol Pryce lacks consistency and needs to be given time to adjust to first-team football. 

In contrast, 31 goals all season, eight more than Swindon, demonstrates Newport’s attacking prowess with in-form striker Jamille Matt a major threat for Swindon’s defence to deal with having scored ten goals already this season. 

Injury news for Swindon sees the Robins without Chris Robertson and Kaiyne Woolery as Wellens comes into Saturday with a near full strength side.

Prediction: 1-2