Cwmbran Town manager Sean Wharton, preparing for two home cup ties in the space of four days, will be forced to shuffle the player pack because so many are cup-tied.

First up is a meeting with Macron Welsh League side Abertillery Excelsior tonight in the Gwent Senior Cup (kick-off 7.15pm) and on Saturday Cwmbran take on Port Talbot in the Welsh Cup when at least half a dozen recent signings will be on the touchline.

Wharton said: "We are favourites tonight but I am not going to underestimate Abertillery and the roles are reversed against Port Talbot."

The Crows have twice lost to Port Talbot this season, first in the league cup competition and then 5-2 at home in the league, but very few players survive from those matches.

It is the clash with Port Talbot which is causing major headaches over cup-tied players, but at least goalkeeper Gareth Wesson, having completed a two-match ban, is available again.

Abertillery 's Dai Smith (groin strain) and Jamie Maher (ankle) are likely to miss out and manager Jason Morgan said: "I don't think they are to be feared - but we have to stay strong at the back."

l Llanwern, their promotion bid having taken a knock in recent matches - they have lost four of their last six games - look to make sure Spytty Park remains a fortress when they take on local rivals Risca in a Macron Welsh League, Division Three game tonight (kick-off 7pm).

Injury-hit Llanwern have not dropped a point in seven home league games, scoring 22 goals and conceding four.

Manager Laurence Owen is likely to play his fifth different goalkeeper in the last six games. He has signed David Jamieson from Caerleon and he is in the squad along with Ross Davies, who is recovering from a back injury.

Risca's Rhys Iles and Miles Griffiths are both absent because of work and manager Michael Colcombe declared: "It will be a hard game - but obviously we are hoping to get something from it. The pitch will suit our game because we like to knock the ball around."