Newport seek relief from league struggles in Trophy tie

Newport County hope to get some relief from their struggles in the league when they host Arsenal Under-21s in the EFL Trophy tonight (19:00 GMT).

The Exiles have lost six of their last seven games in League Two, leaving them just one place above the relegation zone.

Dave Hughes insists he will not "throw in the towel" as manager, having only taken over in the summer and overseen a big overhaul of the squad.

And the former Manchester United youth coach hopes their opening EFL Trophy tie at Rodney Parade will help spark a turnaround in County's fortunes.

"We'll respect the threats that [Arsenal] pose, but we'll prepare a team to try to win the game - that's what we always do," said Hughes.

As well as the Gunners, Newport face two League One sides in Southern Group A of the Trophy - Welsh neighbours Cardiff City in the Welsh capital (7 October) and Exeter City at Rodney Parade (11 November).

Hughes says he has to manage his squad carefully as they balance the desire to reach the knockout stages of the competition with the need to improve their poor league form, a trip to Chesterfield next up for the Exiles on Saturday.

"We've got 19 fit professionals at the moment," said Hughes, who will give a late fitness test to midfielder Kai Whitmore (calf) ahead of Arsenal's visit.

"We've got to look after key individuals to make sure we're in with a shout of winning both games this week. They're both important games."