Newport County v Middlesbrough betting tips: Another Cupset on the cards at Rodney Parade?
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Odds and preview for Tuesday’s FA Cup fourth-round replay
A last-gasp equaliser from Matthew Dolan ensured Newport got a second bite of the cherry against Middlesbrough.
If further incentive is needed, current Premier League champions Manchester City will travel to tonight’s winners in a fifth-round tie.
The game is live on BT Sport 2HD tonight, with kick-off at 7:45pm. But before the game gets underway, here are the latest odds and all the info you need to prepare…
Head-to-head
The first game was only the third between the two sides in their history. It was also the first game between the pair in 32 years.
Middlesbrough had won the first two meetings 0-1 at Rodney Parade in 1986 and 2-0 at Boro’s former home Ayresome Park in 1987 respectively.
Newport’s route to the fourth round has been a longer and tougher one than Boro’s. The Exiles saw off Metropolitan Police in the first round, winning 2-0 away from home. They needed a replay against Welsh rivals Wrexham in the second round, winning 4-0 at the second attempt.
A giant killing was on the cards for them in the third round as they faced former Premier League champions Leicester City, and they didn’t disappoint. A 2-1 victory at Rodney Parade set up the tie against Middlesbrough in the fourth round.
Boro entered at the third round and faced Peterborough United, who they despatched with ease notching a 5-0 home win.
Likely XIs
Newport are likely to field their strongest XI as they look to cause another upset and knock out Boro.
The Exiles have first-choice goalkeeper Joe Day back for selection after missing the first tie with his wife due to give birth.
They’ll be without Antoine Semenyo, however, who was recalled from his loan by parent club Bristol City.
Newport manager Michael Flynn rested some of his key men in their 3-0 league defeat at Grimsby on Saturday. Dan Butler, Mark O’Brien and Padraig Amond are all likely to return the starting line-up.
Middlesbrough only have one injury concern. Midfielder Lewis Wing is likely to be the only Boro player to miss out with boss Pulis stating he’s been playing the last few matches with a groin injury.
Key Battles
Boro have an abundance of great attacking options to choose from. In the first game, Pulis went with a front two of Ashley Fletcher and Britt Assombalonga. The Exiles managed to keep them quiet for the first meeting, and their main task will be keeping whoever starts up front quiet again.
Newport will also need to keep an eye on former Champions League winner Jon Obi Mikel in the Boro midfield. He showed glimpses of what he was about in the first tie despite not having played a full game for months. With match-fitness under his belt, he could dictate play in the middle of the park.
County attacker Amond will be looking to make his mark on the game. In the previous round, he scored the winner to knock Premier League Leicester out of the cup. Boro will be looking to limit the chances he gets, because on his night, he can be clinical in front of goal.
Match Odds
Newport sit as outsiders at 10/3, but they put on a late show last time to grab a draw. If you think they will do that again to win or draw within 90 minutes, you can get a Newport/Draw Double Chance at 17/20.
Boro strikers Assombalonga and the on-loan Jordan Hugill are favourites to open the scoring at 9/2, with the pair also sat at 7/4 to score anytime.
Amond, along with Jamille Matt are favourites to open the scoring for the Exiles at 7/1. If you think they’re more likely to score anytime tonight, that’s 13/5.
Dolan rounded off the scoring in the first encounter, and if you think he’s likely to do the same again, he’s 16/1 to score last in this one.
Click here for the latest Newport County v Middlesbrough odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.
