Crystal Palace Under-21s will face Newport County in an important EFL Trophy Group E fixture on Tuesday, 10 November, with the Welsh club needing only to avoid defeat to secure a place in 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 seen by officials during the draw with York City, while manager Hayden Mullins has previously indicated that he considered the punishment severe.
The hosts are also weighing up the workloads of left-back Tom Davies and striker Kion Etete as both continue their returns from injury. Newport must also consider Saturday's FA Cup first-round meeting with Walsall, although Mullins has made clear that his side intend to compete strongly in every competition.
A draw would allow Palace to move level with Newport in the group if the young Eagles win the resulting penalty shoot-out. However, Newport would still hold the advantage on goal difference. Plymouth currently lead Group E and complete their campaign at home to already eliminated Swindon on Tuesday.
