The English Football League welcomes Rochdale back into the fold this weekend after the North West club's lengthy absence following a period of turmoil as they lock horns with Newport County.
Newport County finished 20th in League Two last season, surviving relegation by only four points. Many are tipping the Exiles for the drop this season and given the Welsh side's last three league finishes have been 18th, 22nd and 20th, it's not hard to see why.
The old proverb argues that teams who consistently flirt with relegation will eventually get their comeuppance, and the feeling is that Newport's is overdue.
Results in preseason were underwhelming, with the Welsh side recording three wins, two draws and three losses. Additionally, their opening game in the EFL Cup last weekend saw them lose 5-4 on penalties to Wimbledon following a 1-1 draw.
Rochdale, meanwhile, are still riding high following a dramatic promotion from the National League last season.
The Dale have been busy in the transfer window, brining in 11 new faces in a hectic summer. They have though, lost manager Jimmy McNulty to Stockport, who has subsequently taken former Dale pair Kyron Gordon (centre-back) and Oliver Whatmuff (last season's on-loan goalkeeper) with him.
While these are notable losses, they're not likely to cause Rochdale to struggle this season. The gap between the National League and League Two is arguably the smallest of any gap between any of the country's top five leagues, so the expectation is that Rochdale will survive comfortably this season.
Emmanuel Dieseruvwe scored 26 league goals last year and the hope is that he'll be able to provide enough firepower to help secure survival. They've so far retained his services, so he'll likely be key to their chances this season.
Rochdale have an excellent recent record against Newport, winning three and drawing one of the last four head-to-head meetings between the teams, and we think they'll maintain that record on Saturday lunch time.
Newport County 1-2 Rochdale
League 1 
