Match preview: Swindon hunting momentum at The Nigel Eady County Ground
Swindon Town welcome Newport County to The Nigel Eady County Ground on 11 February 2026 with momentum firmly on their side. Sitting third in League Two and boasting 55 points from 30 matches, Swindon arrive after a convincing 3-0 win over Oldham Athletic and a run that includes three straight wins across their most recent fixtures. The Robins have been productive in attack this season — 50 goals overall — and are particularly sturdy at home where they have scored 27 and kept ten clean sheets. Darren Drysdale will be the man in the middle as Swindon look to convert their form into three points in front of a home crowd in Swindon.
Newport County arrive in much bleaker fashion. The Exiles lie 23rd in the table with just 21 points from 29 games and have laboured to only five wins so far. Their last outing was a 0-0 draw with Grimsby Town, a result that papered over defensive issues that have seen Newport concede 54 goals this campaign. That porous backline, combined with a modest attacking return of 29 goals, paints a worrying picture for a side fighting to escape the relegation mire. Newport’s most recent home-versus-Swindon meeting in October ended in a 1-0 defeat, further underlining the uphill nature of this trip.
Tactical outlook and form battle
This is a classic clash between a side high on confidence and a team desperately needing a lift. Swindon’s attacking numbers — 380 total shots and an average of over 12 shots per game — show a team willing to press and create, while Newport’s lower shot and corner averages suggest they may struggle to impose themselves on the game. Swindon’s ability to combine attack with defensive solidity at their ground gives them a clear edge. Newport have shown flashes, but their inconsistency and heavy goals-against tally make them vulnerable away from home.
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Betting suggestion Swindon Town look the clear pick in the 1X2 market given form, home strength and the market price (home at 1.51). The most sensible single-market play: back Swindon Town to win (1) in the 1X2 market. This selection aligns with match dynamics, recent head-to-head evidence and bookmakers’ probability tilt in Swindon’s favour.
