League Two: Newport County trio to return for Wimbledon test

Wimbledon currently occupy the fourth and final play-off spot in League Two.

Despite being nine places ahead of Newport, who are 16th, Johnnie Jackson’s side are just five points better off than the Exiles.

But Jardim sees Wimbledon as strong contenders to gain promotion into the third tier this season.

“It’s not a huge gap [to Wimbledon],” said Jardim.

“When I look back to the last two home games where we missed two penalties, it makes you think. But we are where we are and we have to look to ourselves and how we can improve.

“They’re [Wimbledon] one of the main contenders, definitely. You expect them to be competitive.

“It’s a fit squad, they know what they’re doing and they have a very clear way of playing. They make it very hard for any team playing against them.”

Striker Matty Stevens has been in sublime form for Wimbledon, scoring 12 goals in 23 matches in all competitions so far this season.

And while Jardim is fully aware of the ex-Forest Green Rovers frontman’s talents, the Newport head coach admits his players can not focus solely on Stevens.

“He’s a good player, he’s shown that with his good record,” added Jardim.

“When you plan to stop one player you forget about the team.

“Obviously we know why he is scoring and how the goals came but the approach we have is that you have to stop them as a team, not only as an individual.”

Midfielder Aaron Wildig remains sidelined with a knee injury.

Kick-off on Tuesday is at 19:45 GMT.