A chance to shine in trophy
The Mariners have a break from their league struggles in their first tie of this year's competition at Newell's old club with the chance to give several squad players a run-out.
But the manager, who saw a lifeless performance from his side at Barnet in Saturday's 3-0 defeat, may resist the temptation for wholesale changes at Victoria Park.
Nathan Jarman is in line to play some part, possibly from the bench, while Adrian Forbes, Chris Jones, Nick Hegarty and a fit-again Danny Boshell could also come into the reckoning.
But with Paul Linwood (concussion), Robbie Stockdale (groin) and Barry Conlon (suspended), he has gaps to fill regardless.
Newell said: "Linny is okay but I don't think we'd risk him after double vision and concussion anyway.
"Robbie Stockdale has trained but probably not ready yet while Barry Conlon starts his ban.
"There are a few knocks from the weekend but nothing else that would keep anyone out.
"But we will freshen it up and put a proper side out.
"It's a chance to give people a game but we also go there wanting to win.
"It gives the ones that do come in a chance to stake a claim for Saturday's home game."
Newell heads north to his old stomping ground on the first anniversary as his appointment as Town manager.
And he admits it would be nice to mark the occasion with a win and progress into the northern quarter finals next month.
He insists, while League Two remains the primary objective, a run in the cup would be a welcome change.
The boss said: "I didn't realise it was a year since I joined but it would be nice to get a win but then any win would be nice at the minute, whatever day it falls on.
"After last Saturday's disappointment, we want to get some confidence back and avoid three defeats in a week.
"The league is the most important but we take one game at a time.
"It's back at my ole club and I had a good year up there and still know a few of the players.
"They are a decent side at home and in mid0-table in League One so it won't be easy.
"But we wouldn't mind a cup run this season and the chance to get the boost a win would give us in a one-off cup tie."
Town (possible):- Colgan, Wood, Widdowson, Bennett, Atkinson, Forbes, Jones, Leary, Sweeney, Proudlock, Akpa Akpro. Subs: Jarman, Boshell, North, Bore, Normington, Clarke, Overton.
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