Crystal Palace Under-21s face a decisive EFL Trophy Group E fixture against Newport County on Tuesday, with the Exiles needing only to avoid defeat to reach the knockout stages.
Newport will have forward Shaquille Gwengwe available again after he completed a three-match suspension. The 25-year-old was banned following an off-the-ball incident that was not spotted by officials during the draw with York City.
Newport manager Hayden Mullins considered the punishment severe and must now decide whether to bring Gwengwe straight back into his plans against Palace’s young Eagles.
The Welsh side are also monitoring the workloads of left-back Tom Davies and striker Kion Etete as both continue their returns from injury. However, Mullins has indicated that Newport remain committed to competing strongly in every tournament, despite facing Walsall in the FA Cup first round on Saturday.
A draw would leave Palace able to move level with Newport on points by winning the subsequent penalty shootout, although County would still hold the advantage on goal difference. Plymouth currently lead Group E and conclude their campaign at home to already eliminated Swindon on Tuesday, 10 November.
