Our prediction for this League 2 match:
Newport County will be aiming to build on a hard-fought 1-0 win over Grimsby Town when they host Southend United at their Rodney Parade on Matchday 22. The Exiles desperately needed a win against Grimsby Town, and they managed to get one. Newport County aim to give fans yet another reason for celebration, and we are positive that they will go all guns blazing at Southend United.
Even though Scott Bennett is sidelined through suspension, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the hosts. The Seasiders, on the other hand, are on a four-game losing run in the League Two, with the team experiencing all sorts of problems in those defeats. Since David faces Goliath at Rodney Parade, anything but a routine home win would be a major surprise. In their last meeting in a competitive match, back in 2017, Newport defeated Southend 2-0.
Highlighted Player (Tom King):
Thomas Lloyd King is a professional footballer who plays for Newport County as a goalkeeper. Born in Plymouth, England, on March 9, 1995, Tom King played for the likes of Manchester 62, Portsmouth, and Crystal Palace during his youth career.
Despite signing a professional deal with Crystal Palace, the English shot-stopper did not see any game action with the Eagles at the senior level. Tom King moved to Millwall in the summer of 2014, signing a one-year deal with the capital club. After making only 11 appearances for the Lions in the League One, King joined League two side Newport County on June 7, 2019, signing a two-year deal with the South Wales outfit.
It has to be noted that Thomas Lloyd King played for the likes of Welling United, Braintree Town, Stevenage, and AFC Wimbledon on loan as well before signing a deal with Newport County. Tom King has one cap with the England U17 despite his dual citizenship (England/Wales).
Highlighted Team (Southend):
Nicknamed the Shrimpers, Southend United are a League One club which is located in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England. Southend United were founded back in 1906 and have been wearing dark blue shirts and shorts ever since.
The colour of their away shirt is sky blue, with the team wearing black shorts when playing on the travels. Roots Hall is the club’s home ground, the venue which was built in 1952 and opened three years later. The capacity of the stadium is 12,392. Fellow Essex team Colchester United are seen as Southend United’s biggest rivals. The two clubs were in the race for top position in the League One in the 2005/2006 season, with Southend eventually winning the battle.
Southend United recorded their biggest ever win in the 1934/1935 season, with the team rolling over Golders Green 10-1 in the FA Cup. The Shrimpers suffered their biggest defeat in the 1965/1966 season when they were beaten by Brighton 9-1.