NEWPORT County AFC aim to start another unbeaten streak when they return to League Two action against Stockport County at Rodney Parade this afternoon.

The Exiles suffered a first defeat of the Graham Coughlan era in midweek, although it was an expected one against Premier League Leicester in the Carabao Cup.

County did perform well against their classy hosts at King Power Stadium and the 3-0 loss hasn't dented confidence.

Here are some talking points ahead of today's clash with the Hatters…

BACK TO THE REGULARS

Coughlan named the same XI for the league and FA Cup wins against Colchester and draws at Mansfield and Northampton.

That changed in midweek when he brought goalkeeper Nick Townsend, right-back Aaron Lewis, midfielder Matty Dolan and forward Lewis Collins into the line-up.

It would be a surprise if the manager doesn't go back to the starters that have produced the goods so far with disciplined performances in which they've done the basics well.

Townsend was excellent in Leicester but Joe Day will probably return along with central defender James Clarke (with Cameron Norman returning to right-back), midfielder Scot Bennett and forward Will Evans.

The bench selection will be interesting after Coughlan was allowed 20-man squads in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Aaron Lewis is putting the heat on Adam Lewis and Norman for a start, so surely deserves a bench spot at least after missing out on the 18 in the last three league games? Will Aaron Wilding get a spot if he recovers from a back problem?

STOCKPORT RISING

The National League champions were tipped by many to be promotion contenders on their return to the Football League but endured a tough start.

They lost four of their first five but Dave Challinor's men have been strong since the start of October.

Stockport have taken 14 from a possible 21 points and have won three of their last four with the solitary 'disappointment' a goalless draw at Tranmere.

Last week they hammered League Two rivals Swindon 4-0 in the FA Cup, a six straight clean sheet in all competitions and a show of strength after the manager tinkered with the team by making seven changes.

The Exiles have won three on the spin at Rodney Parade but this will be a much tougher test than Southampton's youngsters or struggling Colchester.

South Wales Argus: LAUNCH: Mickey Demetriou flings a long throw in for Newport County AFCLAUNCH: Mickey Demetriou flings a long throw in for Newport County AFC (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

MICKEY'S MISSILES

One of Stockport's listed strengths on whoscored.com is defending set pieces, something Newport will aim to test out.

Leicester successfully avoided set plays thanks to their dominance of possession and their ability to get out of tight spots.

It was only late on that County got some chances for Mickey Demetriou to launch some long throws, with Priestley Farquharson going agonisingly close to scoring a header off one.

League Two sides aren't as talented and that makes the tactic of pinning a team in their final third a strong one.

The Exiles scored against Northampton and Colchester thanks to the arms of Demetriou. Omar Bogle, Farquharson, Will Evans, James Clarke and Cameron Norman will want to give Stockport plenty to think about in the box.

Saturday fixtures: Carlisle v Walsall, Crawley v Barrow, Crewe v Colchester, Gillingham v Northampton, Grimsby v Doncaster, Harrogate v Leyton Orient, Newport County v Stockport, Rochdale v Mansfield, Salford v AFC Wimbledon, Stevenage v Hartlepool, Sutton v Bradford, Swindon v Tranmere.