Three days after a visit to Bristol Rovers saw Sutton's FA Cup hopes ended, U's return down the M4 on Tuesday to take on Newport County in Sky Bet League Two. U's will play in green.
Having gone out of the FA Cup in the first round to Morecambe, Newport have had over a week without a game, and will be looking to extend some good recent form which has seen them beaten just once in ten games in the league, and they have been in and around the upper reaches of League Two all season, currently in 9th place, four points behind Sutton. They have also undergone a change of manager this season, with James Rowberry taking over after the departure of Michael Flynn, who had guided the Exiles to the play-off final in two of the previous three seasons.
That one defeat came in their last home game against Swindon, whose away record is the best in the division, with Northampton the only other side to come away from Rodney Parade with maximum points this season.
Newport boast the division's leading scorer in Dom Telford, but he will be missing tomorrow after a positive Covid diagnosis.
Sutton, whose last six away games have seen four victories, will hope to bounce back from Saturday's disappointment and also hope that Isaac Olaofe has recovered from the dead leg that forced him off at the Memorial Stadium, with several players still doubtful due to injury.
Sutton and Newport met for four seasons in National League South between 2004 and 2008, with U's 4-2 victory in the first of those at the Newport Stadium the only time Newport were beaten in the eight games. Going further back U's beat Newport twice in little more than a month in 1992 when Newport were playing at Gloucester, winning 4-1 in the FA Cup and then 2-1 in the Trophy, while in 1988 the sides drew 1-1 at Sutton in the GM Vauxhall Conference but financial problems forced Newport out of the league before the return could be played at Newport's original Somerton Park ground.
Tomorrow's referee is Oliver Langford, who has officiated on a number of occasions in the Championship this season including the recent live televised game between Bristol City and Stoke.
As it is a midweek game, anyone not making the trip to South Wales can watch a live stream through our iFollow system, and passes priced £10 can be bought here.
Newport now play at the Rodney Parade ground close to the city centre and shared with Newport Gwent Dragons Rugby Union club. Full details of ticket and travel information can be found in the article published yesterday, but linked to here.