NOTTS County are likely to dominate possession at Rodney Parade tomorrow like they did at Meadow Lane but they will face a very different Newport County AFC, says Graham Coughlan.

The Exiles look to extend their seven-game unbeaten streak in League Two, ideally with a fifth successive win, when they host the Magpies.

If it’s a home victory then 11th-placed Newport County will climb above Notts in the table, something that was improbable when the teams met in October.

The injury-hit Exiles were given a 3-0 hammering by a mightily impressive Magpies side inspired by winger Jodi Jones.

The scoreline flattered the visitors, who dropped to 21st in the table with a 16-point gap to their second-placed hosts.

South Wales Argus: THRASHED: Newport County lost 3-0 at rampant Notts County in OctoberTHRASHED: Newport County lost 3-0 at rampant Notts County in October (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

Notts made 602 passes to Newport's 293, with a success rate of 82 to 66, and had 67 per cent of possession.

The East Midlands side are the league leaders for average possession and their mantra remains the same despite Stuart Maynard, formerly of Wealdstone, taking the reins after manager Luke Williams left for Swansea.

“They will have the majority of the ball – we may as well bring two footballs on Tuesday night, one for them and one for us,” said Coughlan.

“That’s part and parcel of playing Notts County, they are a good team with good players in this division, players we wouldn’t be able to attract.

“Let’s get the lads sorted [after Saturday’s 3-0 win at Walsall] and in the right place for a massive challenge.”

County have forced themselves into the play-off picture but face a stern test of their credentials with home fixtures against Notts and then ninth-placed Gillingham.

South Wales Argus: UPBEAT: County have climbed up the table to the delight of Graham CoughlanUPBEAT: County have climbed up the table to the delight of Graham Coughlan (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“It's a really tough one on Tuesday and a really tough one on Saturday,” said Coughlan.

“They all are because nothing is easy in this division, but we go into it with momentum and certainly confidence.

“I don't think that we did ourselves justice the last time we played Notts County up there when we carrying too many injuries.

“We were a depleted squad but we are now getting stronger and fitter. I am looking forward to it and I am sure the home fans are, hopefully they come out in their numbers and help us out.

“This is a great little patch and we are confident, so long may that continue.”

While the Exiles are trying to keep their momentum, Notts will attempt to change the record.

The Magpies have slipped down the table after taking just two points from their last five games and eight from their last 10.