Newport County vs Plymouth Argyle preview - O'Connor still in Exile

Newport will be without top scorer Aaron O'Connor once more when they tackle Plymouth.

The Exiles striker serves the second game of his three-match ban for a late red card against Stevenage, so Chris Zebroski and Shaun Jeffers are set to link up up front.

Former Wales international Darcy Blake is currently training with the club and Justin Edinburgh hopes to tie up a deal for the defender, although that will not happen in time for the ex-Crystal Palace man to feature on Boxing Day.

Robbie Wilmott (foot) will spend another six weeks on the sidelines while Andrew Hughes' campaign is over.

Argyle captain Curtis Nelson could recover in time.

The 21-year-old has made a speedy recovery from a dislocated left elbow he suffered against Northampton on December 13 and boss John Sheridan will leave his decision as late as possible.

But Sherdian will be without centre-back Peter Hartley (hip) and midfielder Dominic Blizzard (calf) while youngster Aaron Bentley could keep his place if Nelson is not risked.

Striker Deane Smalley has gone under the knife having suffered a knee injury and is set for a long spell on the sidelines.