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Match Previews

PREVIEW | Exiles begin 2020/21 campaign with Carabao Cup first round clash against Swansea City

4 September 2020

Match Previews

PREVIEW | Exiles begin 2020/21 campaign with Carabao Cup first round clash against Swansea City

4 September 2020

Newport County AFC kick off their 2020/21 campaign with a Carabao Cup first round clash against Swansea City.

Michael Flynn's men return to competitive action on Saturday afternoon for the first time since March due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, which saw the 2019/20 Sky Bet League Two season brought to an end.

Here, you can find all the facts and statistics ahead of the game..

The opposition - Swansea City

Swansea's 2019/20 season only came to an end two months ago after they reached the Championship play-off sem-finals following an eventful final day against Reading.

The Swans needed a five-goal swing to leapfrog Nottingham Forest in the table, which they managed. But their campaign came to an end when they were narrowly beaten by Brentford in the semi-finals.

There have also been several outgoing and arrivals at the Liberty Stadium this summer, with striker Rhian Brewster returning to his parent club Liverpool.

Team news

County have had a busy window with the signings of striker Ryan Taylor from Plymouth, David Longe-King from St Albans City, Saikou Janneh from Bristol City and right-back Liam Shephard from fellow League Two side Forest Green Rovers.

With the losses of Brewster and club captain Mike Van Der Hoorn, Swansea have bolstered their squad with the signing of winger Jamal Lowe and the loan signing of Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White.

Both squads could be full of debutants come Saturday at Rodney Parade.

One to watch – Morgan Gibbs-White

Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White is one of the most promising young players in English football, having won both the Championship with Wolves and the Under-17 World Cup with England in 2017.

The 20-year-old has made 53 appearances for Wolves so far, and scored his first goal for the club in August 2019 during the clubs Europa League qualifier with FC Pyunik.

Gibbs-White will be hoping he can establish himself as a first-team regular this season, and that could start with a debut this weekend.

Manager – Steve Cooper

Steve Cooper took over Swansea ahead of the 2019/20 season in his first role as Head Coach of a league club. Cooper enjoyed a successful first season with the Swans, leading them to sixth place in the second tier.

Cooper was the manager that led Gibbs-White and England to the Under-17 World Cup title in 2017, having been part of the England youth setup since 2014.

The Welshman will be hoping to go one step further with the Swans this season.

Last meeting between the sides

Newport County and Swansea City last met in 2006 in the FA Cup, where the Swans claimed a 3-1 victory.

The match at Spytty Park saw first half goals from Lee Trundle, Leon Britton and Izzy Iriekpen, meaning City went in at the break 3-0 up. County improved after the break, replying with a goal from Ian Hillier.

The Exiles have since met Swansea’s under-23s in the Football League Trophy in 2016 and 2017, with the Swans leaving with wins in both matches.

Watch the live action

Supporters can watch Saturday's clash for £10 on iFollow Exiles.

Click here to purchase your first match pass of the new season.


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