The New Saints start cup defence against Newtown

The only all-Welsh Premier clash in the third round sees the rampant Saints make the trip in confident mood after reeling off a record-breaking 16 successive league wins this season.

The current champions have won 21 games in all competitions and now turn their focus to the Welsh Cup, which they have also dominated in recent times.

By contrast, Newtown have endured a tough campaign which currently sees the Robins lying in the basement places after their last-gasp 1-0 defeat at Cefn Druids.

But TNS boss Craig Harrison will not be reading too much into league positions as his side look to lift the Welsh Cup for a fourth successive season.

He insisted: "It's a fantastic trophy – and we'll be doing our utmost to defend it."

This weekend's clash (2.30pm) is a repeat of the 2015 final at Latham Park, which TNS won 2-0 on their way to their first domestic treble.

But Newtown have proved to be stubborn opponents in the past, having famously sentenced the all-conquering Saints to a first home league defeat in more than three years last season.

The Robins again frustrated the league leaders at Park Hall just a few months ago before losing by a solitary Robbie Parry goal following a spirited display.

"Newtown made it difficult for us that day, they defended well. But we were patient and kept our belief and got the goal in the end," said Harrison.

"They may be at the wrong end of the table but I don't expect them to be down there come the end of the season.

"They've got a lot good players, and they've got a good, astute coach in Chris Hughes. They'll have a game plan, and they will be very much a threat."

"I like the Welsh Cup, it's a competition with a lot of history, and I'm proud to have enjoyed a lot of success in it while I've been here," he added "It's something we will do our utmost to defend.

"We've won every game this season and the players are hungry to keep this fantastic run going."

Reflecting on his side's unrivalled success his season, Harrison added: "It's not something we set out to do, but the professionalism and attitude to win so many games has been first class."

Hughes said: "Everyone expects us to lose against TNS, so we can go into the game with no pressure."