Venue: Rodney Parade
Competition: Sky Bet League Two
Date: Friday, March 30th
Kick-off: 3pm
The Sky Blues travel to Rodney Parade to face a Newport side who are without a win at home in their last six games.
County have fell of the pace in their pursuit for a play-off place in recent weeks, where as in comparison, the Sky Blues have climbed into the top seven.
Manager Mike Flynn has enjoyed a successful season and has exceeded expectations with the Exiles, having been able to save them from relegation on the final day of last season.
He also enjoyed a run in the FA Cup with Newport, which saw them earn a replay at Wembley, where they ultimately were defeated by Tottenham Hotspur.
Heading into the game, the Sky Blues remain without Jordan Maguire-Drew (appendix) and Jordan Willis (ankle) who will all miss-out through injury. Jodi Jones (ACL) and Tony Andreu (ACL) both remain out with their long-term injuries.
However, Carl Baker and Tom Davies could be in line for a place in the squad, as they step-up their comeback from injuries.
Newport will be without Joss Labadie who suffered a serious knee injury in training a few weeks back and will be out for the rest of the season.
Paul Hayes could return following recovering from a tight calf and Calaum Jahraldo-Martin will be back available following the international break.
The Opponents
It has been a season of success for Newport so far, as they have built on surviving the drop to the National League last year. The Exiles looked destined for relegation until Mike Flynn came in and saved the club from relegation and they haven’t looked back since his arrival to Newport County.
Currently sitting in mid-table, Flynn and his side may have fell short of a push at the play-offs, but compared to last season it is something to build on for the club heading into the next campaign, as they look to go one further.
Joe Day will likely line-up in goal for Newport in front of a defence which has seen on-loan Brighton defender Ben White put in some stand-out performances so far this campaign.
Newport could boast a threat through throw-ins if Ben Tozer makes the starting eleven, with numerous dangers coming through the midfielder’s efforts.
Padraig Amond is currently the clubs top scorer in the league with 11 goals so far this term, including two assists.
Earlier this season
The Sky Blues suffered a disappointing defeat to the Exiles when the sides met at the Ricoh earlier this season
On-loan Brentford midfielder, Reece Cole scored the only goal of the game with his long-range effort early in the second half.
Tony Andreu and Jodi Jones came close to finding the back of the net, but County ‘keeper Joe Day pulled off some good stops.
Newport's Home Form
D - 1-1 v Morecambe
D - 1-1 v Tottenham Hotspur
D - 0-0 v Notts County
D - 3-3 v Forest Green Rovers
D - 1-1 v Luton Town
L - 1-2 Crewe Alexandra