Newport v Oxford Utd preview

admin

Jimmy Dack will take charge of Newport for the last time when they host Oxford.

Dack, in temporary charge following the departure of Justin Edinburgh, will end his four-year association with the Exiles at the final whistle as the Rodney Parade side prepare for life under Terry Butcher next term.

Dack is likely to hand Aaron Collins his fourth appearance, with the Welsh youngster looking to impress in the final match of the season while David Tutonda will start in what is the last match of his loan spell from Cardiff.

Lee Minshull is set to continue in the unfamiliar position of centre-back having helped Newport keep a clean sheet at York last time out.

Oxford are set to be missing both their regular centre-backs when they travel to Wales.

For the first time in over 100 league games the U’s will start without either of Jake Wright, who has an abdominal muscle strain, and Johnny Mullins, who was stretchered off against Cambridge last time out.

Two from Chey Dunkley, Andy Whing and Sam Long will line up at the heart of the U’s defence at Rodney Parade on Saturday in their absence.

Kemar Roofe, who is in running for player of the month accolade, will look to impress once more before returning to West Brom.

Breaking news, transfer gossip, line ups and goal alerts from your football club – delivered direct to your mobile. Sign up for Sky Sports Alerts

Newport v Oxford Utd preview

admin

Newport look set to be boosted by the return of Ismail Yakubu when they host Oxford.

The defender missed out on the 3-0 loss to Hartlepool on Saturday as a precautionary measure after taking a knock to the top of his foot in training last week but the Exiles expect him to be available to face the U’s, unbeaten away from home this season.

Justin Edinburgh’s men, winless in 2014, were able to introduce Chris Zebroski as a substitute against Pools having been sidelined since November and the striker looks set to be involved once more against his former club.

A string of postponements have meant Rodney Parade has hosted just one football match since Boxing Day and a preliminary pitch inspection will take place at 1pm in south Wales.

Oxford look set to be without Michael Raynes when they travel to Newport.

The defender has been suffering from a hip injury and despite his eagerness to be involved for Saturday’s 3-0 win over Mansfield his hip is still sore and he looks set to target Saturday’s away trip at Morecambe instead.

Winger Alfie Potter made his long-awaited return to action after an ankle injury as a late substitute in that emphatic victory and he looks set to be involved again while Sean Rigg (calf) will also hope to feature.

Caretaker boss Mickey Lewis takes his side to Rodney Parade looking to protect an unbeaten run on their League Two travels which stretches back to April 1 2013.