Newport County AFC begin their Papa John’s Trophy campaign with the visit of Plymouth Argyle to Rodney Parade on Tuesday.
The Exiles will be looking to bounce back after back-to-back defeats against Southampton and Salford City.
THE OPPOSITION - PLYMOUTH ARGYLE
Plymouth have enjoyed a positive start to the new season, finding themselves in 12th place in Sky Bet League One with just one loss from five matches.
That loss was in the opening fixture against Rotherham, but they have since beaten Gillingham and Shrewsbury Town, and drawn with Cambridge United and Fleetwood Town.
Away from the league, the Pilgrims’ Carabao Cup hopes were dashed by Swansea City after a defeat at the Liberty Stadium last week.
TEAM NEWS
Michael Flynn will return to the touchline following the conclusion of his isolation period. He may opt for some changes to the weekend’s lineup, with Finn Azaz, Jordan Greenidge and Mickey Demetriou all absent on Saturday.
Danny Mayor, Niall Ennis and James Bolton are all out injured for the visitors but defender James Wilson could return to the side, having completed his three-match suspension.
ONE TO WATCH - LUKE JEPHCOTT
Luke Jephcott has been linked with a move away from Home Park this summer, but it hasn't been a distraction for him having scored three goals in the opening five fixtures.
The Welsh forward finished last season with 16 goals in Sky Bet League One, and this season he has formed a partnership up front with Ryan Hardie, who also has three goals this season.
Jephcott has represented Wales U19 and U21 on nine occasions but is still awaiting his first goal for his country.
IN THE HOT SEAT - RYAN LOWE
Ryan Lowe was announced as manager of Plymouth Argyle in June 2019, guiding them to a third-place finish and an immediate return to Sky Bet League One in a season interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 42-year-old will be hoping his side can build on last season’s 18th placed finish.
Lowe had also managed Bury in different spells, but prior to management, he enjoyed stints at several clubs as a striker, including Bury, Tranmere Rovers and Sheffield Wednesday.
LAST MEETING
The last time County faced Argyle was last season in the final group game of the same competition.
Both sides rang the changes for the dead rubber, with the Pilgrims taking the lead in the 30th minute through Ben Reeves.
An unfortunate own goal from Joe Woodiwiss and a finish from George Cooper saw Argyle three ahead before Padraig Amond grabbed a consolation for the Exiles.
