Our prediction for this League 2 match:
Saturday’s football game at Rodney Parade pits together Newport County and Walsall, the two teams who played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in their last meeting in League Two. The Exiles kicked off the new season with a 1-1 draw with Sutton, but they missed a couple of clear-cut opportunities to score the winner. Over the years Newport County have turned their Rodney Parade into a real fortress, and, as a result, the bookies see them as favourites to beat Walsall.
The Saddlers, on the other hand, did well to crush Hartlepool 4-0 in the opening match of the season, with Danny Johnson scoring a hat-trick. Walsall impressed in their opener, but seeing that they often struggle on the travels, we are tempted to put our money on Newport County, who are eager to record their first win of the process.
Highlighted Player (James Clark ):
Born in Berlin, Germany, James Clark is an experienced defender who plays for Walsall in the League Two. After spending his youth career at Watford, Clark played for the likes of Oxford United, Oxford City, Salisbury City, Woking, and Bristol Rovers before joining Walsall on a two-year deal.
The defender, who wears the No. 5 jersey at Walsall, has a contract with the Saddlers which should expire in June 2021. His primary position is centre-back, but he is capable of producing fine displays as a right-back as well. His preferred foot is right. James Clark made his League Two debut with Walsall on August 3, 2019 in a 1-0 win over Northampton Town.
He scored his first goal for the Saddlers in the Northampton Town clash as well, helping the team pick up all three points from the PTS Academy Stadium clash. Clark scored his first professional goal during his spell with Bristol Rovers. He found the net in a 2-1 win over Wycombe at the start of the 2018/19 season.
Highlighted Team (Walsall):
Founded in 1888, Walsall are a professional club that play home matches at Bescot Stadium. The capacity of the venue is 11,300 people and it was opened in 1990. Nicknamed the Saddlers, Walsall footballers wear red shirts and white shorts when playing in front of home fans, while black is the dominant colour of their away kit.
Walsall played out a goalless draw with Aston Villa on April 9, 1888 in their first ever game, with the team recording their biggest win on March 4, 1899 against Darwen (10-0). The Saddlers suffered their biggest defeat on December 17, 1892 as they were beaten by Small Heath 12-0.
Walsall fans consider wolverhampton wanderers the club’s biggest rivals, but the Saddlers have rivalries with Shrewsbury Town and Port Vale as well as the two clubs are only 30 miles away from Walsall. Crystal Palace centre-back Scott Dann is one of the most notable footballers who played for the Bescot Stadium.