Newport County Rochdale Rochdale Newport CountyPlayer stats will appear once the competition begins.
Newport CountyNo absentees
RochdaleNo absentees
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Newport County vs Rochdale is an early League Two kick-off at Rodney Parade on Saturday (12.30pm), and remarkably it is the newly promoted visitors who start as favourites.
Rochdale are back in the EFL after winning promotion from the National League, while Newport survived only narrowly last season. Andy Francis has the best bets, our score prediction and the head-to-head record below.
Premium Tips
Andy can see why the market favours the visitors, with Newport’s leaky defence a concern and Rochdale arriving full of confidence.
| Premium Tip | Odds | Why we’re backing it |
|---|---|---|
| Rochdale to win and Mani Dieseruvwe to score anytime | 16/5 | Newport are the reason to look at this bet. They were dreadful defensively last season, shipping 77 goals in 46 League Two games and keeping just seven clean sheets. Any forward fancies his chances against a defence that leaky, and Mani Dieseruvwe is the Rochdale striker aiming to punish it. Rochdale also arrive fresh from promotion. The catch is that they must win away at Rodney Parade, a tougher ask than a home banker. If Dieseruvwe starts and takes his chances, Newport’s soft back line hands both him and Rochdale a genuine opening. |
| Dajaune Brown over 0.5 shots on target and under 2.5 goals | 3/1 | This double pairs a low player bar with a cautious goals call. Over 0.5 shots on target only needs Dajaune Brown to hit the target once, a modest ask for a forward if he starts. The under 2.5 goals leg backs a tight, low-scoring affair, the kind of tense, cagey game an early-season away trip can produce. Rochdale, newly promoted, may travel to Newport intent on containment first. It is a bet that wants Brown involved and the game controlled, rather than a shootout at Rodney Parade. |
18+ only. Please gamble responsibly. GambleAware — gambleaware.org · Odds correct at time of publishing.
How Newport County go into the game
Newport endured a difficult 2025-26, finishing 20th in League Two and conceding a division-high 77 goals. Survival was secured, but the defensive record needs urgent attention if this season is to be more comfortable.
Mani Dieseruvwe offers a focal point in attack, and Rodney Parade can be a lively, awkward venue for visitors. Tightening up at the back, though, is clearly the priority after last season’s struggles.
How Rochdale go into the game
Rochdale are back in the EFL after winning promotion from the National League, and momentum is firmly with them. The bookmakers clearly rate their chances of hitting the ground running at this level.
Veteran forward Ian Henderson remains a threat, and the Dale will travel to south Wales with real belief. The step back up will test them, but on current form they look well equipped for League Two.
Newport County vs Rochdale head-to-head
| Date | Home | Score | Away |
|---|---|---|---|
| 07/01/23 | Rochdale | 1-1 | Newport County |
| 08/10/22 | Newport County | 0-1 | Rochdale |
| 07/05/22 | Newport County | 0-2 | Rochdale |
| 18/12/21 | Rochdale | 3-0 | Newport County |
The sides last met in 2023, before Rochdale’s spell in the National League. Rochdale won three of the last four meetings, keeping Newport quiet on each occasion.
Newport County vs Rochdale predictions & betting tips
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rochdale to win | 5/4 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Market favourites against a leaky Newport side. |
| Both teams to score – No | 4/5 | ⭐⭐⭐ | Newport’s defence should offer chances. |
| Mani Dieseruvwe anytime scorer | 6/4 | ⭐⭐ | Newport’s main goal threat. |
| Under 2.5 goals | 1/1 | ⭐⭐ | The home side lack significant firepower. |
| Rochdale to win 1-0 | 7/1 | ⭐⭐ | Our headline scoreline for an away win. |
Newport County vs Rochdale score prediction
Newport will hope home advantage and the emotion of a new season lift them, but their defensive problems from last term are unlikely to have vanished overnight. Rochdale look the more confident side and we expect them to edge an open game. Score prediction: Newport County 0-1 Rochdale.
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