Michael Flynn looks certain to make changes to his team for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Oxford United at Rodney Parade (7.45pm).
David Pipe, Mark O’Brien, Charlie Cooper and Jamille Matt are among the players hoping to start against League One opposition in Newport’s bid to teach the League Cup third round for the first time since 1962.
Captain Andrew Crofts and Robbie Willmott are in contention after injuries.
Manager Flynn is keen to see his team beat Oxford and draw Premier League opponents, a scenario that would surely give County the confidence to strengthen their squad with one or two loan signings.
https://twitter.com/NewportCounty/status/1033735885362212864
The Exiles have a 100 per cent home record after three League Two fixtures, but in-form striker Padraig Amond, who has netted five goals this season, says: “We’ll be going in as underdogs. Oxford are a league above us and their win [against Burton Albion on Saturday] will give them a bit of confidence.
“But we also have a lot of confidence and we want a win and a good draw in the next round.
“The Leeds game in the League Cup last season basically allowed my signing to happen and I was really grateful for that.
“Leeds made a fantastic gesture to the club – they gave us half the gate receipts when they didn’t have to and I signed for Newport.”
Oxford will be without three key forwards because of injuries against County. Ricky Holmes (back) and Marcus Browne (knee) and Jamie Mackie (hip) will all miss the tie.
Both clubs are keen to progress and potentially draw one of the leading Premier teams with European qualifiers Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Tottenham, Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Burnley going into the draw at the third round stage.
The draw for the last 32 will be held at the Sky Sports Studios, London on Thursday (7pm).
Oxford defender Cameron Norman says: “All the boys are happy with the tie, but you have to be wary of the teams below you because they will want the scalp.
“It’s something that’s like a little bonus on top of the league.
“After getting through Saturday with a positive result it’s nice to look towards Tuesday, rest your mind from the league and have a free hit at the cup.
“There are some big ties out there.”
Newport County (3-5-2), possible: Townsend, Pipe, J Foulston, M O’Brien, Butler, Dolan, Sheehan, Bakinson, Semenyo, Matt, Cooper.
