A look ahead to Saturday afternoon's Emirates FA Cup first round tie at Newport County (3pm).
Peterborough United travel to Wales to face Sky Bet League Two side Newport County in the first round of the Emirates FA Cup on Saturday afternoon (3pm) with Darren Ferguson's men looking to bounce back from the late defeat to Bolton Wanderers last time out.
Newport, who sit in 14th place in the League Two table, have had a mixed set of results so far this season but have an excellent cup pedigree in recent seasons, particularly under former manager Michael Flynn.
The cup-tie must be played to a finish with replays scrapped for this campaign. Extra time and penalties are there if required.
TEAM NEWS
Posh welcome Chris Conn-Clarke back to the squad after a spell on the sidelines with a shoulder injury but defender Oscar Wallin won't be involved. The Swedish centre back won't be involved in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy tie with Crystal Palace Under 21s on Tuesday night either as Ferguson looks to rest his defender ahead of upcoming league fixtures.
Rio Adebisi, Hector Kyprianou, Jadel Katongo and Mahamadou Susuho are definitely out while front man Bradley Ihionvien continues to struggle with a calf problem. Newport right-back Shane McLoughlin has been sidelined with a knee injury since September and is not expected to return for this clash.
Aaron Wildig has scored four league goals for the Exiles this season, and the attacking midfielder will be hoping to make the difference on Saturday.
ONE TO WATCH
Kyle Hudlin
Hudlin began his career with Midland Football League clubs Castle Vale Town, Boldmere Sports & Social Falcons and Solihull United before signing for Solihull Moors in October 2020. During his time with the club, he scored 13 goals in 58 National League games and 17 in 69 games in all competitions.
In July 2022, he signed for Huddersfield Town on a two-year contract, initially joining their B team. Later that month he moved on loan to AFC Wimbledon. He scored his first goal for Wimbledon in an EFL Trophy tie against Crawley Town on 20 September 2022. Hudlin was recalled by Huddersfield on 4 January 2023.
Hudlin scored on his debut for Huddersfield in a 3–2 loss to Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup on 8 August 2023. On 31st January 2024, Hudlin joined League One club Burton Albion on loan for the remainder of the season.
On 30 August 2024, Hudlin joined League Two club Newport County on a season-long loan. He made his debut for Newport on 3rd September 2024 in the 2–1 EFL Trophy defeat to Cheltenham Town. Hudlin scored his first goal for Newport on 2nd October 2024 in the 3–1 League Two win against Salford City.
MANAGER QUOTES
"Newport is always a tricky place to go, we have to do the basics right if we are to progress through to round two. They have some players who can hurt you. They have the big man up front, but to be fair, he is very good with the ball at his feet and links play well. We will have to stop the crosses into the box," Darren Ferguson said.
TICKET NEWS
Tickets are on sale at www.theposhtickets.com and via the Weston Homes Stadium Ticket Office until 3pm on Friday. As at 9am on Friday, 451 tickets had been sold. Fans are able to purchase tickets on the day at the away ticket booth.
POSH+
There are only audio passes available for this particular competition. Audio passes can be purchased below.
KIT COLOURS
Posh will be in the away cream kit for the game.
MATCH OFFICIALS
The referee is Stephen Martin.