Newport County return to Sky Bet League Two action when they face Swindon Town on Saturday afternoon (12:30pm).
The Exiles make the short trip to the County Ground looking to bounce back from a disappointing home defeat to Port Vale last weekend.
Despite their first league loss in three matches, County sit in 8th position and will be looking to potentially push back into the play-off places with a positive result at Swindon.
Pre-Match thoughts
Speaking ahead of the clash, Nelson Jardim said: “We know it’s an important game and we know it’s going to be a different kind of test.
"Yes, they haven’t made the best start to the season but we know the quality Swindon possess.
“They are a big club in this division and we know that the game will be difficult. They have some top players and I expect a tough game.
“I also expect us as a team to be ready and to bounce back. We have to pick ourselves up and I’m quite positive about this game. We’ve had a positive start to the season and we need to be ready to get back to winning ways."
Opposition Form
Swindon Town have started the season winless with three draws and two losses in their opening five league fixtures. The Wiltshire based sides most recent result saw them take a point away at third place Barrow in a 1-1 draw.
Former County defender Ryan Delaney has been a good addition to the Robins so far this season with the centre-half assisting their last minute equaliser against Barrow. Another former Exile, Jake Cain, has appeared in every league game so far this season for the Robins playing an important role in midfield.
During the international break young loanee Joel Cotterill shone. The youngster, on loan from Swansea City, scored a brace for Wales under 21’s against Iceland and will be hoping he can transfer his form on the international stage to domestic action with Swindon.
Head-to-Head
Historically this tie has often been very close with both teams on the same amount of wins and draws in the last 16 games played.
There has been seven wins for each side and two draws with last season seeing both side win their home fixture. Swindon came away 2-0 victors at the County Ground but the Exiles won 2-1 in the reverse fixture at Rodney Parade.
Last time out
The Amber army will have found memories of their last meeting with the Robins. Back in February of this year, Rodney Parade hosted Swindon as the Exiles came from behind to win 2-1. Goals from former players Seb Palmer-Houlden and Will Evans sealed the three points for Newport.
Stand out performer this season and club captain, Aaron Wildig, was the Man of the Match and assisted the winning goal. The game took place a week after the huge FA cup fourth-round tie game against Manchester United at home.
Key stats
- Swindon Town have won their last two home league games against Newport County, keeping a clean sheet in both matches. However, the teams have alternated wins in their last seven league meetings, with Newport edging the most recent encounter 2-1 in February.
- Swindon are winless in their first five League Two games this season (D3, L2), marking their worst start since 2010-11. In contrast, Newport County boast the best shot conversion rate in the league, scoring 22% of their attempts (10 from 45).
- Despite Swindon's struggles, with all three of their points coming from away draws, they’ve conceded fewer goals on average (1.6) compared to Newport’s 1.8. Meanwhile, Newport are among the division’s top scorers, averaging 2.0 goals per game, while Swindon rank 21st with just 0.6 goals per match.