Walsall vs Newport County - League Two

A fascinating League Two chapter awaits on March 21, 2026 when Walsall take on Newport County at the home ground — two sides with plenty to play for and everything to prove. Manchester United play in Gothenburg on Saturday as they take on Paris-Saint Germain in their fourth pre-season fixture.

There is plenty riding on this League Two encounter for Walsall and Newport County alike, and neither will want to leave the home ground empty-handed. The hosts have mirrored the form of a side still searching for rhythm — DDDWD over their last five, a win rate of 33.33%. The visitors have been enduring a wretched campaign, DLLDL in their last five and a season win rate of just 16.67% that leaves them deep in trouble. Where Walsall have leaned on defensive discipline, Newport County have often taken the initiative going forward, and that stylistic difference should shape the contest. In what is arguably the most pointed contrast to Chelsea's recruitment strategy of recent years, Andrich was almost 25 years old when he made his Bundesliga debut for Union Berlin.

The tactical battle could prove decisive. Walsall may lean on their home advantage to dictate the tempo, but Newport County have shown they can be dangerous when allowed to play on their own terms. Tuesday's print edition of ABC, as relayed by Sport Witness, have claimed that Betis turned down a €50m approach from a wealthy non-Premier League club for Antony.

The fixture is likely to be shaped by its key performers, with creative midfielders and clinical finishers on both sides capable of turning the game in an instant. The wide areas will be a key battleground, with full-backs and wingers on either side capable of swinging the contest one way or the other. Worth mentioning the forward is okay and is back on the pitch.

Predictions are tricky when the sides are this evenly matched, and small margins — a moment of quality, a slice of luck — could decide it either way. Expect a tight, competitive affair that could easily end all square at 2-2. With the standings tight and form on the line, this is a fixture neither side will want to lose. The club are understood to favour a profile closer to Aurelien Tchouameni or a Premier League‑proven alternative rather than Manu Kone.