The EFL Cup preliminary round brings an intriguing contest as Barnet faces Newport at The Hive Stadium, London. While neither side enjoys the brightest form heading into the fixture, the tournament format leaves no room for complacency. With both teams eager to make an early statement in the 2025/26 campaign, this clash promises to provide key insights into their ambitions — especially considering Barnet’s higher win rate this year, contrasted by Newport’s slightly superior short-term form.
Eyes will be on Barnet’s main attacking threat, Daniel Powell, whose sharp movement and work rate can unlock defences on his day, and Newport’s versatile midfielder James Waite, who brings dynamism and an eye for a decisive pass. Interestingly, both teams have struggled to find recent rhythm, yet their histories suggest potential for game-changing individual displays to alter the tie’s momentum.
One hot stat: Barnet has managed 61 percent win rate across all competitions this year — a notable edge over Newport’s 28 percent, underlining why bookmakers make Barnet the narrow favourite.
| 🏆 Tournament: | EFL Cup 2025/26 (Preliminary Round) |
| 🏟 Venue: | The Hive Stadium, London |
| 🗓️ Date: | 29.07.2025 |
| ⏰ Time: | 21:30 CEST |
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Barnet vs Newport prediction
With bookmaker consensus giving Barnet 55 percent chance to win, the home side’s year-long consistency is difficult to overlook. Dean Brennan’s team not only boasts a superior win rate in 2025 but also have enjoyed a convincing unbeaten run in their home streaks. Newport has shown the capacity to cause an upset — especially away — but their low overall win rate in 2025 and patchy form tilt the value towards Barnet, especially with an average home winning odds hovering around 1.71.
When analysing the tactical profiles, Barnet deploys a compact shape with emphasis on ball retention and disciplined pressing. While statistical records for fouls, yellow cards, and corners from the last five matches are unavailable, historical trends show Barnet are less likely to concede set-piece opportunities compared to Newport, who have been prone to late defensive lapses. Both teams have struggled for clean sheets, and gaps at the back suggest potential for goals at both ends. Expect tactical fouling in midfield and a reliance on quick transitions, especially from Newport to disrupt Barnet’s rhythm.
The likely scenario features Barnet dictating possession phases, but Newport’s direct outlet play and recent victories hint that they won’t be easily subdued.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Barnet Draw No Bet |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Barnet
Barnet’s recent run of five matches illustrates a side in search of balance. Their most recent draw against Wycombe (1-1) showed resilience and a solid defensive structure after a heavy 2-5 defeat to Stevenage. While goals have sometimes dried up, their ability to respond to setbacks, as shown in the dominant 3-0 win against Hitchin earlier, is a positive. Still, defensive lapses cropped up, particularly against Crystal Palace U21 (1-3), where quick counters exposed vulnerabilities. Consistency in attack remains a work in progress, with the team leaning on Powell’s creativity and goal threat.
Newport
Newport arrives off a narrow 0-1 loss to Bristol City, a tough contest that demonstrated defensive solidity against higher-ranked opposition, yet also underlined their occasional struggles in front of goal. Previous matches saw a 1-3 defeat to Torquay — despite positive spells — but wins against Worcester City (1-0) and Weston Super Mare (1-0) showcased their capacity to grind out results. Coach David Hughes has instilled a more pragmatic style, focused on shape and counter-attacks, although Newport’s midfield sometimes lacks control during prolonged opposition pressure.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Barnet | Newport |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 7 | 6 |
| Total shots | 55 | 51 |
| Free kicks | 62 | 65 |
| Corner kicks | 29 | 27 |
| Total fouls | 38 | 41 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 80 | 78 |
| Interceptions | 23 | 28 |
| Offsides | 10 | 13 |
🚨Read our full Barnet vs Newport stats for more analysis.

Newport. Source: Official Website
Pre-game odds and win probability: Barnet the favourite
- Moneyline Barnet 1.71 | Newport 4.60
- Draw 3.85
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.00 | Under 2.5 1.80
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.95 | No 1.85
Barnet’s home victory odds around 1.71 clearly reflect their higher win ratio and home-field advantage. Newport’s price at 4.60 shows their underdog status, but cup matches can surprise. Over 2.5 goals (2.00) carries value given both teams’ defensive frailties and history of high-scoring meetings. The BTTS odds suggest bookmakers are cautiously optimistic about both teams finding the net, which aligns with historic trends and both clubs’ current defensive vulnerabilities.
You can find all our predictions for today’s games on our football betting tips page.
Possible Starting Lineups
Barnet possible starting eleven

- GK: Laurie Walker
- DF: Ben Coker, Finley Potter, Danny Collinge, Jerome Okimo
- MF: Dale Gorman, Harry Pritchard, Sam Beard
- FW: Daniel Powell, Nicke Kabamba, Reece Hall-Johnson
Expect Dean Brennan to set Barnet up in a 4-3-3, using Walker’s reliability in goal and a balanced back four for structure. Gorman anchors the midfield, linking play with Pritchard and Beard providing energy and support. Up front, Powell and Kabamba form a versatile duo with Hall-Johnson adding cutting edge from wide — eyes will be on Kabamba, Barnet’s most dangerous forward in the past season.
Newport possible starting eleven

- GK: Nick Townsend
- DF: Adam Lewis, Scot Bennett, James Clarke, Matt Baker
- MF: Nathan Moriah-Welsh, James Waite, Harry Charsley
- FW: Will Evans, Kiban Rai, Seb Palmer-Houlden
David Hughes is likely to opt for a pragmatic 4-3-3/4-5-1 to stifle Barnet’s transitions. Townsend is a safe pair of hands, while Lewis and Clarke secure the back line. Moriah-Welsh and Charsley are tasked with disrupting Barnet’s build-up, while Waite’s creative influence will be crucial. Evans and Rai offer pace and directness up front, with Palmer-Houlden a physical presence to challenge Barnet’s centre-backs.
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Barnet. Source: Official Website
My take on the Match
Given Barnet’s home advantage, consistent 2025 record, and a squad boasting quality in key areas, they stand as deserving favourites. However, Newport’s ability to spring surprises — especially in cup competitions — should keep punters vigilant. My main pick is Barnet Draw No Bet, hedging against the upset factor but backing their superior consistency. Expect both teams to score, with Barnet’s edge in ball retention tipping the scales in their favour.

