NEWPORT County AFC face a defensive headache for the visit of high-flying Cambridge United – and League Two's most potent striker.

The promotion hopefuls clash at Rodney Parade on Saturday (kick-off 12.30pm) with the sixth-placed Exiles aiming to strengthen their grip on a play-off berth while the second-placed U's go for automatic promotion.

County have lost Priestley Farquharson for the run-in after the centre-back rolled his right ankle in the win against Bolton at the start of the month and they are also sweating on the availability of Matty Dolan.

The 28-year-old suffered a head injury in the closing stages of the goalless draw with Carlisle United and was withdrawn by the medical team.

DOUBT: Matty Dolan could miss Countys clash with Cambridge

DOUBT: Matty Dolan could miss County's clash with Cambridge

Dolan is the leading candidate for County's player of the season after switching from midfield to the centre of the defensive three, combining the dirty work with the ability to play out from the back.

If he doesn't get the green light to feature against Cambridge then Flynn could bring either former Wales midfielder Joe Ledley in as a direct replacement to retain the ball-playing ability or opt for David Longe-King, sacrificing comfort on the ball for solidity.

The manager might also consider a change of shape with Scot Bennett and Mickey Demetriou getting the nod in a flat four alongside full-backs Liam Shephard and Aaron Lewis.

County have kept two successive clean sheets at Rodney Parade but might be forced into a change.

"It's unfortunate that we are down to the bare bones at the back," said Flynn, who has Ashley Baker and academy prospect Joe Woodiwiss as other defensive options.

"It's frustrating because it takes 'Benno' out of midfield; it's catch-22 but he is playing so well at the back. If Matty is out then it gives someone else the chance to come in."

10.10.20 - Cambridge United v Newport County - Sky Bet League 2 - Paul Mullin of Cambridge United scores his sides first goal

10.10.20 - Cambridge United v Newport County - Sky Bet League 2 - Paul Mullin of Cambridge United scores his side's first goal

Whoever gets the nod will have to cope with Paul Mullin, who is having a sensational season up front for Cambridge.

The 26-year-old has scored 28 goals – more than the entire squad at struggling Southend have managed.

County's joint top-scorers in League Two are Dolan, who has scored five penalties, and Padraig Amond on six.

Mullin proved to be the difference between the sides when County travelled to the Abbey Stadium in October, scoring a double in the hosts' 2-1 win in torrential rain.

The striker and cunning midfielder Wes Hoolahan will test the Exiles defence and Flynn is mulling over changes to his line-up after the midweek display.

He gave midfielder Lewis Collins a first start since Boxing Day against Carlisle while he was given food for thought by those that came off the bench.

"Padraig Amond did well when he came on, Lewis was good in patches and I want to get some more of those patches, Kevin Ellison did well when he came on and caused them problems," said the manager, who left Longe-King, Ledley, Luke Gambin and Dom Telford as unused substitutes.