NEWPORT County are in a five-way battle for a League Two play-off spot with just one point separating Stevenage, Luton, Exeter, Plymouth and the Exiles with five fixtures remaining.

Only two sides are likely to make the top seven out of that group and Argus football writer Michael Pearlman has the breakdown on the remaining fixtures.

  • Saturday, April 11: Luton v Burton, Newport v Bury, Plymouth v Mansfield, Stevenage v Northampton, Shrewsbury v Exeter

A weekend where there would appear to be a slight advantage for Plymouth, the only challenging team not to face a side in the top half of the table.

The task for Newport and Luton appears especially arduous in terms of tricky home games, but even the most in-form side in League Two, Exeter, could struggle at Shrewsbury who are still hunting the status of champions.

Stevenage are also at home, but Northampton represent dangerous opponents.

Prediction: Plymouth win, Luton, Newport and Stevenage draw, Exeter lose

  • Tuesday, April 14: Dagenham v Luton, Plymouth v Wimbledon, Southend v Newport, Stevenage v Portsmouth, Wycombe v Exeter

A quick turnaround and it is Newport and Exeter who on paper have most to fear from the final midweek games of the campaign.

The Exiles visit high-flying Southend and Exeter face another top-three side in Wycombe.

Luton are away but won’t fear a trip to Dagenham while Plymouth (AFC Wimbledon at home) again seem to have a favourable contest. Stevenage host the always unpredictable Portsmouth.

Predictions: Plymouth, Stevenage and Luton win, Newport and Exeter lose

  • Saturday, April 18: Accrington v Stevenage, Carlisle v Plymouth, Exeter v Southend, Luton v Hartlepool, Newport v Dagenham

Only Newport and Luton are at home out of the five contenders and, playing Dagenham, the Exiles have the easiest fixture on paper. A true must win game for them, especially if they lose at Roots Hall.

Exeter again face a side in promotion contention, while Plymouth and Luton both face teams battling for their lives. Stevenage might fancy their chances at Accrington.

Prediction: Newport and Luton win, Stevenage, Exeter and Carlisle all draw

  • Saturday, April 25: Hartlepool v Exeter, Plymouth v Tranmere, Southend v Luton, Stevenage v Carlisle, York v Newport

The penultimate fixture of the campaign pits those in the fight for promotion with those scrapping for their lives at the bottom – apart from Luton who must go to Southend – making it exceptionally hard to predict.

It could be argued that those sides at home hold the upper hand, but any of the sides mentioned above moving clear of the relegation by April 25 would have a bigger impact. And, as things stand, York are the most likely to have nothing to play for.

Prediction: No wins, Newport, Stevenage, Plymouth and Exeter draw, Luton lose.

  • Saturday, April 2: Luton v Stevenage, Shrewsbury v Plymouth, Newport v Oxford, Exeter v Dagenham

The fixture that instantly stands out is Luton v Stevenage, because obviously they can’t both win! Plymouth also have a really daunting trip to Shrewsbury, who could well be playing for the title.

Both Newport and Exeter will surely feel confident, against mid-table sides with little left to play for aside for pride.

Prediction: Newport and Exeter win, Luton and Stevenage draw, Plymouth lose

Conclusion: Newport can do it! These predictions have the Exiles triumphing by a single point from Plymouth, Luton and Stevenage with Exeter a further three points back.

By virtue of their superior goal difference, Plymouth will join the Exiles in the play-offs (and for the record, they’ll be paired with Bury or Southend, with Wycombe just holding on to third spot).