2018-19 League Two Play-off Final – Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When does Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers kick off? Saturday 25th May, 2019 – 15:00 (UK)
Where is Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers being played? Wembley Stadium, London
What television channel is Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers on? Sky Sports Football (UK) / International can be found here
Where can I stream Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers? The match can streamed live on Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Newport County vs Tranmere Rovers?
Newport County – https://www.eticketing.co.uk/l2po
Tranmere Rovers - https://www.seetickets.com/event/sky-bet-league-2-play-off-final-tranmere-rovers/wembley-stadium/1380870
HEAD TO HEAD
Last meeting: Newport County 0-0 Tranmere Rovers (6th April 2019)
League position: Newport County: 7th with 71 points / Tranmere Rovers: 6th with 73 points
Last match: Mansfield Town 0-0 Newport County: / Forest Green Rovers 1-1 Tranmere Rovers
TEAM NEWS
NEWPORT COUNTY
- Newport edged past Mansfield in the semi-finals on penalties to reach the final and the team that finished seventh in the league now go to Wembley having sold over 10,000 tickets for this key match in the club’s history.
- The draw in the second leg against Mansfield extended Newport’s unbeaten run to 12 in League Two as they have ended the season in fine form and most crucially at this stage, are proving incredibly tough to beat.
- They have just the one absentee for this match as Townsend remains sidelined but the rest of the team could be unchanged from the last match against Mansfield with boss Michael Flynn unlikely to spring any surprises in terms of personnel.
Predicted line-up (4-3-3): Day; Poole, O'Brien, Demetriou, Butler; Bennett, Dolan, Labadie; Amond, Matt, Willmott
Unavailable: Townsend (Injured)
Doubtful:
TRANMERE ROVERS
- Tranmere overcame Forest Green Rovers in the semi-finals 2-1 on aggregate but their end to the season has been more of a stuttering one compared to their more consistent opponents despite finishing one place above them in the league table.
- Boss Micky Mellon named the same starting eleven for both legs of the semi-final against Forest Green and barring any unknown injuries, it is highly likely that he will name the same team at Wembley.
- Victory here would see Rovers achieve a second successive promotion after coming up via the National League play-offs last year and that experience will likely serve them well when dealing with the pressure that will inevitably come in what should be a tight game.
Predicted line-up (4-1-4-1): Davies; Caprice, Monthe, Nelson, Ridehalgh; Banks; Morris, Harris, Perkins, Jennings; Norwood
Unavailable: Miller (Injured), Gumbs (Injured), Ellis (Injured)
Doubtful:
EXPERT ANALYSIS
Both of the League Two semi-finals matches were incredibly close but these two teams scraped through them to meet at Wembley. Newport are in the better form as they are currently enjoying a 12-match unbeaten run and they are playing some good organised football right now. Tranmere have surprised many by reaching this stage after being promoted from the National League this time last year but they are here on merit. They have the best striker in the division in their ranks with James Norwood keen to add to his stunning 30-goal league season before he leaves in the summer. Newport will counter his threat by being ultra-cautious and organised, and there is every chance that will lead to this match being a low-scoring, cagey and tense match with few goals.
TOP BETTING TIP
Under 2.5 goals @4/7
