NEWPORT County AFC manager Michael Flynn has predicted there will be twists and turns in the race for the League Two play-offs but the Exiles could secure a top-seven finish on Saturday afternoon.

County head into the clash with title-chasing Cheltenham in sixth place and in control of their own destiny thanks to last weekend’s draw at Exeter and a thumping win against Scunthorpe.

It is expected that they will head to Southend on final day with work to do against a Shrimpers side who could already be relegated to the National League.

However, it is possible that Flynn’s side will already be secure in the top seven before they visit Roots Hall.

THE STATE OF PLAY

The sixth-placed Exiles are a point ahead of Salford, who leapt into the final play-off spot thanks to their dramatic winner at the death at Bradford on Tuesday.

County are two points ahead of eighth-placed Forest Green Rovers while Exeter, who have a superior goal difference, are another point back.

Morecambe and Tranmere are on the brink of the play-offs but are not yet secure.

THE FIXTURES

This weekend: County (6) v Cheltenham (1), Forest Green (8) v Tranmere (5), Colchester (21) v Salford (7), Bolton (3) v Exeter (9), Walsall (19) v Morecambe (4).

Final weekend: Southend (23) v County (6), Tranmere (5) v Colchester (21), Salford (7) v Leyton Orient (11), Exeter (9) v Barrow (20), Oldham (16) v Forest Green (8), Morecambe (4) v Bradford (14).

THE ODDS OF TOP-SEVEN FINISH

  • Morecambe: 1/250
  • Tranmere: 1/66
  • Newport: 1/5
  • Salford 2/7
  • Forest Green 7/4
  • Exeter 5/2

(Odds from league sponsors Sky Bet)

South Wales Argus: TIGHT: Joss Labadie will hope to lead County to victory against CheltenhamTIGHT: Joss Labadie will hope to lead County to victory against Cheltenham

THE SATURDAY SCENARIOS

  • COUNTY WIN... 

If the Exiles beat leaders Cheltenham then Forest Green and Exeter would also need to win to overtake them.

Salford would need to avoid defeat to stand a chance of overtaking the Exiles.

  • COUNTY DRAW... 

If the Exiles share the spoils with the Robins then they cannot mathematically go up, but they might be on the brink.

A draw would leave Exeter, who have a superior goal difference, needing to avoid defeat at Bolton to take it to last day.

In this situation, Forest Green would remain beneath County even if they beat Tranmere.

The Gloucestershire side have a goal difference of 4 to the Exiles' 14, so if they lose to Rovers then they would need an unlikely last-day swing to overhaul Flynn's side.

If County avoid defeat then they will go to Southend with their fate in their own hands even if Forest Green and Exeter win.

  • COUNTY LOSE
  • If County lose then it's going to a nervy last day regardless of other results. Wins for Salford, Forest Green and Exeter would make it the stuff of nightmares.