Newport County's selection headaches for League Two opener

The boss has largely opted for a 3-5-2 formation in pre-season but still has the ability to go with a flat back four with a box in midfield.

The team will be announced at 2pm tomorrow and the starting shape will become clear just over an hour later.

Here are the main selection calls that the manager has grappled with…

County goalkeeper Nick Townsend

GOALKEEPER

A theme of the past few seasons with Nick Townsend battling Tom King and then Joe Day.

It was Day that earned the start 27 times last season to Townsend's 19 but the latter finished with the gloves.

County are lucky to have a pair of quality, experienced stoppers at League Two level.

LEFT-BACK

Ryan Haynes has been replaced in the squad by Liverpool loanee Adam Lewis, who is set to battle for the start with the classy Aaron Lewis, who can also slot in down the right.

County's width comes from their full-backs/wing-backs and they are expected to press high but also be a creative asset.

Adam was formerly a winger and whips in a nice ball with his left peg while Aaron, who doesn't seem to have a favoured foot, knows the system and is calm and assured in possession.

County captain Matty Dolan in action at Sutton last season

CENTRAL DEFENCE

James Clarke's hip injury means there is an opening.

Mickey Demetriou and Declan Drysdale look nailed on to start and if it is a back three then it will be either Matty Dolan at the heart or Cameron Norman down the right, with an A Lewis on either flank.

Captain Dolan started at Sutton last season and it will be interesting to see how he fits into a system that now has Sam Bowen and Scot Bennett providing cover in midfield.

MIDFIELD

The most likely trio is Bowen, Bennett and Aaron Wildig, a slight change on last season when Rowberry went with a pair of 10s.

James Waite signed in January and caught the eye and provides food for thought should County opt to go with another attacking option with Wildig. If the diminutive midfielder has to settle for a spot on the bench then he'll certainly add bite when called on in the second half.

STRIKER

Omar Bogle is in pole position to lead the line with Offrande Zanzala, Will Evans, Lewis Collins and Chanka Zimba the options next to him.

Zanzala will probably get the nod but the others will have big roles to play as subs, while Rowberry is likely to rotate to keep his strikers fresh and hungry.

Possible line-up at Sutton: Townsend, Drysdale, Dolan (captain), Demetriou, Norman, Aaron Lewis, Bowen, Bennett, Wildig, Bogle, Zanzala.

Subs: Day, Adam Lewis, Willmott, Waite, Evans, Collins, Zimba.