For the first time since a 2-0 away defeat to Carlisle United back in March, Newport county play their first competitive match in the league cup at home to Swansea city in the first round of the league cup.
Over the past couple of seasons county have been known to be giant killers in cup competitions with wins over the likes of Middlesbrough, Leeds and Leicester city and a win against the swans would be the sweetest victory of the lot in the eyes of many county fans due to this being a welsh derby. In my opinion the biggest leveler has been taken away in the fans. For me the fans are the 12th man especially in big games and its such a shame that the game is being played behind close because with fans it would make the occasion more special but the game itself will still be a big game as a welsh derby
We ended the shortened season on a poor run of form with 2 wins in the last 9 which cannot continue into this season. I put that run down to inconsistent formations. One game we'd play a 4-2-3-1 next game we'd play a 3-5-2 and we'd just change formation it seemed like every game whereas in the play off campaign every game we'd play a 3-5-2 when attacking and 5-3-2 when defending. If we go back to the 5-3-2 then I think our form will dramatically improve.
Our opponents Swansea city will be on a bit of a high following there play off campaign even though they lost out to Brentford 3-2 on aggregate in the semi final back in July. With the strange start to the season and this game being played during an international window this means that Swansea will be weakened by the missing Connor Roberts Bersant Celina and Ben Cabango but they will still be strong with them having a good squad which you would expect from a championship club.
Personally I think county could scrape a win by the odd goal or even on penalties. It will be a close game but my concern is the fitness of the county players because we haven't played a competitive game in around 6 months. This could play a part in the last 10-15 minutes of the match especially if we are trying to hold on to a lead and defending for our lives.
In my opinion County will win 2-1 with goals coming from Padraig Amond and Tristan Abrahams
This is my opinion let me know what you think down below in the comments or on my social media my twitter is @absoultecounty or Instagram @absolutely_county
