Two teams enduring difficult spells face off in gameweek 29 of League Two as Salford City play host to Newport County on Tuesday evening.
Karl Robinson's side enter this encounter on a three-match losing streak, while the visitors have endured a much longer slump, suffering defeats in each of their last five matches.
Match preview
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After winning each of their previous six matches in League One, Salford have experienced a dip in form, losing their last three games across all competitions.
Heading into their FA Cup encounter, the Ammies would have hoped their explosive run would give them a chance against an out-of-form Manchester City side, but the Premier League champions handed them a crushing 8-0 defeat, marking the beginning of their nightmare spell.
Having been given a reality check against the top-flight side, a home game against a struggling Fleetwood seemed like the perfect opportunity for a response, but they were stunned in a 2-0 loss, bringing their seven-match winning streak in the fourth tier to an abrupt end.
The latest setback came in a 2-1 defeat to Cheltenham Town on Saturday, a result that saw them slip further down the League One standings, leaving them eighth with 42 points from 26 games, two points off the playoff spots.
Despite recent struggles, the Ammies will be confident of getting back to winning ways as they face a side they have dominated at home, winning each of the last three such encounters.
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Meanwhile, Newport, having secured their first-ever league victory against Salford in the reverse fixture with a 3-1 win at Rodney Parade, will look to take advantage of their opponent's woes as they aim to complete the double.
However, they have been in even worse form than the hosts, recording just one victory in their last 14 matches across all competitions.
After ending an eight-match winless run with an impressive 6-3 triumph over MK Dons, the Exiles fell into a deeper slump, losing each of their last five games.
The most recent of their defeats came in a 2-1 loss to Swindon Town on Saturday, a result that left them 21st in the League One table with 26 points from 25 games, five points clear of the relegation zone.
Newport have struggled on the road this season, losing nine of their 14 matches in the fourth tier, with their nine points from such encounters leaving them as the second-worst away side in the division, a worrying record against a Salford side that has won eight of their 13 home games.
The visitors have also conceded 27 times on their travels, the second-most in the league, while their attack, with just 13 away goals, has offered little respite.
Team News
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Salford remain without long-term absentees James Chester, Dan Chesters, Kelly Nmai, Francis Okoronkwo and Josh Austerfield as they continue their recovery from injury, while Ben Woodburn could miss a fifth consecutive game.
Kylian Kouassi could return in attack after missing Saturday's match due to suspension following his red card against Fleetwood.
Salford's top scorer in the fourth tier this season, Cole Stockton, who has seven goals, is expected to make his 10th consecutive start on Tuesday, with the 30-year-old striker looking to get back among the goals, having failed to find the net in the last three matches.
Nick Townsend returned between the sticks for Newport on Saturday after missing the previous two games due to a knee injury, and he is expected to start once again.
Meanwhile, Ciaran Brennan remains sidelined due to a dislocated shoulder sustained in the defeat to Port Vale, while co-captain Aaron Wildig is ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
Salford City possible starting lineup:
Young; Shephard, Tilt, Garbutt; Taylor, Lund, Fornah, Longelo; McAleny; Kouassi, Stockton
Newport County possible starting lineup:
Townsend; C. Evans, Clarke, Baker, Davies; K. Evans, McLoughlin; Ajiboye, Whitmore, Kamwa; Hudlin
We say: Salford City 3-1 Newport County
While both teams have struggled recently, Salford are favoured to return to winning ways, given the visitors' poorer run and their troubles on the road, making this a potential springboard for the hosts to spark another strong run.
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Adeyeye Oluwapelumi
