Newport County AFC kick-off their 2021/22 campaign with a trip to Boundary Park to take on Oldham Athletic on Saturday afternoon.
The Exiles came within touching distance of securing promotion last term after reaching the Sky Bet League Two play-off final before falling short at the final hurdle.
Michael Flynn has strengthened his squad over the summer window after several departures from Rodney Parade, and will be looking to guide the Exiles one step further this season.
Flynn's side were forced to play all bar two of their fixtures last season without the Amber Army due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but they will receive their full backing in Greater Manchester as the Exiles look to make a positive start to the new campaign.
THE OPPOSITION - OLDHAM ATHLETIC
Oldham Athletic come into the new season off the back of an 18th-placed finish last term, with the Latics managing 15 wins and accumulating 54 points.
Through the transfer window, the Latics have lost Conor McAleny, Sido Jombati and Gary Woods, but have bolstered their squad with the arrivals of Sam Hart, Hallam Hope, Jack Stobbs, Jayson Leutwiler and Harrison McGahey.
TEAM NEWS
It’s been a busy summer window for the Exiles, which has seen plenty of arrivals and outgoings at Rodney Parade.
Cameron Norman became the first signing of the window when he made the switch to south Wales shortly after the Sky Bet League Two play-off final, and Flynn has added 10 additional faces to his squad since.
We could see several of them handed their debuts this weekend.
Oldham have the issue of trying to replace the goals of Conor McAleny after the 21-goal striker departed for Salford City in the summer. They will be hoping new man Hallam Hope can link well with Zak Dearnley to fill the void left by the Englishman.
ONE TO WATCH - DAVIS KEILLOR-DUNN
Davis Keillor-Dunn will be looking to push on from an impressive season last term after netting 10 league goals from midfield, including two braces against Cambridge United and Colchester United.
The 23-year-old has had his contract extended to the end of the 2021/22 season after his promising start to last season.
He joined the Latics from Wrexham following a stint in Scotland with Falkirk and Ross County.
IN THE HOT SEAT - KEITH CURLE
Keith Curle took over at Boundary Park in March after Harry Kewell’s departure, steering the Latics to safety at the end of last season.
The 57-year-old guided Northampton Town to promotion from Sky Bet League Two in 2019/20 through the play-offs and has vast experience with the likes of Mansfield Town and Carlisle United.
Curle also enjoyed a lengthy playing career as a defender, most notably at Bristol City, Manchester City and Wolverhampton Wanderers, while he also represented England briefly in 1992.
LAST MEETING
The last meeting between the sides came at Boundary Park last season, where the Latics recorded a 3-2 win.
County took the lead early on through Jake Scrimshaw but were pegged back by Keillor-Dunn, whose side then took the lead through Bobby Grant after Joss Labadie was sent off for the Exiles.
The away side were level again after a 20-yard effort from Luke Gambin, but an unfortunate own-goal from Mickey Demetriou sealed the win for Oldham.
