In their first game of the 2025-26 League Two season, Newport County will welcome Notts County to Rodney Parade on Saturday.
The hosts were almost relegated last term after finishing in 22nd place in the fourth tier – third last in the division – whereas their opponents' sixth-placed finish in League Two was enough for a promotion playoff spot.
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Newport vs Notts County: Creative visitors
Key stats
- Notts County created the most big chances (111) and the second most xG (73.3) of any team in League Two in 2024-25.
- The visitors are unbeaten against their hosts in their four most recent encounters, winning three times.
- Newport have conceded at least two goals in five of their past seven competitive outings, including in each of their last three.
Correct score prediction: Newport 1-2 Notts County
It is difficult to overlook Notts County's strong displays last season, as well as their encouraging record against Newport County.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Bookmakers predict a close match
- HOME: 7/2 (4.5) – 22.2%
- DRAW: 29/10 (3.9) – 25.6%
- AWAY: 7/10 (1.7) – 58.8%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
Notts County are the expected winner of Saturday's clash, with the bookmakers giving them a win probability of 58.8%.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: Notts County dominance
Notts have triumphed in three of their past four games against Newport, including their last clash in March 2025, when they won 2-0.
England League 2 29/03/25
Newport County
Notts County
England League 2 23/11/24
Notts County
Newport County
England League 2 13/02/24
Newport County
Notts County
England League 2 24/10/23
Notts County
Newport County
England League 2 19/02/19
Notts County
Newport County
Newport preview: Disastrous form to end 2024-25
Newport finished seven points above the relegation zone but were arguably fortunate to survive given they failed to win any of their final nine games of 2024-25, losing on six occasions.
Perhaps the Magpies will continue to deploy two strikers, with Courtney Baker-Richardson and Michael Reindorf candidates to lead their side's attack.
Predicted lineup: Tzanev (GK), Jenkins, Clarke, Baker, Thomas, Antwi, Smith, Lloyd, Davies, Baker-Richardson & Reindorf
England League 2 03/05/25
L
Tranmere
4
Newport County
1
England League 2 26/04/25
L
Fleetwood Town
2
Newport County
0
England League 2 21/04/25
D
Walsall
0
Newport County
0
England League 2 18/04/25
D
Milton Keynes Dons
0
Newport County
0
England League 2 12/04/25
L
Colchester
2
Newport County
0
Notts preview: Poor end to the season
While Notts County did challenge for promotion, they did lose their last three outings of 2024-25, failing to score twice.
Tom Iorpenda is likely to be stationed in a number six role, anchoring a midfield also featuring Kellan Gordon and Matt Palmer.
Predicted lineup: Roos (GK), Cotter, Bedeau, Aljofree, Platt, Gordon, Iorpenda, Palmer, Jones, Dennis & Grant
England League 2 10/05/25
L
AFC Wimbledon
1
Notts County
0
England League 2 03/05/25
L
Doncaster
2
Notts County
1
England League 2 26/04/25
W
Harrogate Town
1
Notts County
3
England League 2 21/04/25
L
Cheltenham
2
Notts County
1
England League 2 17/04/25
D
Bradford
1
Notts County
1
Player to watch: Matthew Dennis
Notts County striker Matthew Dennis was brought to the club in the summer transfer window as a free agent following the expiry of his Carlisle United contract.
The 23-year-old was scored six goals in 14 appearances in his four months with Carlisle, and he is reportedly seen as a replacement for David McGoldrick, who left Notts for after his own deal expired.