Pompey have been warned not to under-estimate Newport County.

Justin Edinburgh brings his team to Fratton Park this weekend after a forgettable start to the new season which has left them in 22nd place with only one point from their first four.

Andy Awford's view is that the stats are irrelevant at this stage.

He told the official club website: 'Our start has been good with three wins and a draw and we’ll be looking to extend that this weekend. But we’ll have to match Newport’s work-rate and tempo. They’re a physical side and have pace up front with Chris Zebroski.

'One thing’s for sure — it will be just as tough a game as it was at Oxford last Saturday. Newport haven’t had the greatest of starts, but I honestly couldn’t tell you their league position because it’s irrelevant at this stage of the season.

'I know their manager Justin Edinburgh very well. He had a great career which ended here at Pompey and I’ll look forward to having a drink with him after the game.'

Awford is expected to make more team changes from the side who lost at Stoke in the cup on Wednesday - in line with the policy he has operated so far this season.

He added: 'I don’t get headaches about team selections — I just pick the one I think is going to go out and win. We have a strong squad here with competition for almost every position and with the games coming thick and fast, it’s important to utilise this.'

Last season: 0-2 Our prediction this time: 2-0

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