Newport County and Morecambe meet on Sunday in what could prove to be an important match in the lower echelons of League Two.
Although the home side sit in 18th position in the table, 23rd-placed Morecambe travel to South Wales trailing their next opponents by just the six points.
Match preview
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Having entered the Christmas and New Year period on a five-game unbeaten streak, Newport supporters would have had high hopes of further progress.
Instead, three successive defeats were posted against Bromley, Walsall and AFC Wimbledon respectively, conceding nine times in the process.
Although Nelson Jardim remains upbeat regarding their performances, Newport are now at risk of being pulled into a relegation scrap.
Just one league success has been posted in their last 12, enough to leave County 11 points adrift of the playoffs and just six ahead of the bottom two.
On a positive note, however, five wins have come from their 10 outings at Rodney Parade, with just one defeat since the middle of October.
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Meanwhile, Derek Adams has been struggling to keep Morecambe in the fourth tier of English football in what is his third stint in charge.
However, two victories have been recorded in their last three outings, potentially-pivotal results versus relegation rivals Carlisle United and Tranmere Rovers each being defeated.
Just four points now separate the bottom five with the Shrimps the team in form at the lower end of the standings, with their solitary defeat in three coming by a 1-0 scoreline at a relentless Salford City.
With a trip to Chelsea in the FA Cup to come next week, Adams will stress the importance of no distractions with Morecambe requiring another big performance on their travels having already collected 14 points from their 13 away games in the league.
Team News
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Oliver Greaves will hope to be recalled to the Newport XI having scored as a substitute in the narrow defeat to Wimbledon.
Michael Spellman could be the player to drop out, but Kyle Hudlin may retain his place in attack having had his loan from Huddersfield Town extended.
Meanwhile, Adams will likely retain the same Morecambe XI if there are no fresh injury concerns.
Although Adam Lewis and Jordan Slew are both alternatives in wide areas, they may have to stay patient for an opportunity from the start.
Rhys Williams will stay in the middle of the backline with Liverpool having extended his loan stint with Morecambe.
Newport County possible starting lineup:
Carney; McLoughlin, Brennan, Baker, Glennon; Evans; Greaves, Antwi, Whitmore, Kamwa; Hudlin
Morecambe possible starting lineup:
Burgoyne; Hendrie, Williams, Stott, Tutonda; White, Jones; Tollitt, Songo'o, Edwards; Dackers
We say: Newport County 3-1 Morecambe
With Morecambe having improved of late, there is an argument that they are the favourites to overcome their hosts. Nevertheless, given the level of Newport's most recent opponents, we are backing the Welsh side to bounce back with a morale-boosting win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
