The Magpies face four sides all in the bottom half of the table, three of which are home games.
A sufficient amount of points could see Notts claw their way out of trouble just at the right time.
Saturday February 23, 2008 - Meadow Lane v BRADFORD CITY
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Key man: Peter Thorne - The potent striker has an excellent record against Notts including a hat-trick versus the Magpies earlier in the season. If Notts give him a sniff, the Bantams will return to Valley Parade with maximum points.
Last six: L,L,W,W,D,D
Decisive factor: Bradford's goal difference. Incredibly they have scored 20 times at home, and conceded 20, while away they have also scored 20, and conceded 20. This consistency in goals in games highlights an inconsistency in their form. Therefore, if averages are to be believed they will concede two at Meadow Lane.
The Notts perspective: Having won last time out and only being beaten once in the last seven, Notts face Bradford with superb confidence. The last time they met Notts were hit for three, but the defence has tightened considerably since then and won't make the same mistakes meaning a single goal could again do it.
Points gained: Three
Saturday March 01, 2008 - Moss Rose v MACCLESFIELD TOWN
About the opponents: Macclesfield Town are being dragged horribly into trouble of late. Just one win in the last six sees them just three points ahead of the danger zone. Murmours of discontent from the Silkmen faithful is not making life easy for boss Ian Brightwell who has already had to build a squad on a shoestring budget. Last season, Macc started poorly but finished on fire to avoid the drop, with things looking the other way round, it could cost them their place in the Football League.
Key man: Francis Green - Pure pace up front. Could cause problems if give the service.
Last six: L,L,W,L,L,D
Decisive factor: The Silkmen will go into the match after a game against big-spending, high-flying Peterborough United, meaning their confidence should be at rock bottom if the inevitable defeat does indeed come about.
The Notts perspective: Surely losing to Conference also-rans Macclesfield twice in one season is most unlikely for Notts. That would be a disgrace, and Macclesfield's poor form should enable Notts to be strong enough to avoid a defeat. However, when do Notts ever embark on a run of three wins on the spin? Hardly ever, so it will only be a point here.
Points gained: One
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Key man: Francis Green - Pure pace up front. Could cause problems if give the service.
Last six: L,L,W,L,L,D
Decisive factor: The Silkmen will go into the match after a game against big-spending, high-flying Peterborough United, meaning their confidence should be at rock bottom if the inevitable defeat does indeed come about.
The Notts perspective: Surely losing to Conference also-rans Macclesfield twice in one season is most unlikely for Notts. That would be a disgrace, and Macclesfield's poor form should enable Notts to be strong enough to avoid a defeat. However, when do Notts ever embark on a run of three wins on the spin? Hardly ever, so it will only be a point here.
Points gained: One
Saturday March 08, 2008 - Meadow Lane v BARNET
About the opponents: Where has it all gone wrong for Paul Fairclough's Bees? A run of four staright defeats sees them flirting as one of the outside relegation candidates. The loss of Liam Hatch to high-flyers Peterborough United seems to be taking its tool on a small squad.
Key man: Jason Puncheon - Highlighted by Ian McParland as one of the divisions brigtest talents. A fine player who can win a game on his own.
Last six: L,L,L,L,W,W
Decisive factor: The Bees will come to Meadow Lane having had an awful run of fixtures that may have sucked them right into the mire. Having lost every game so far in February, they are unlikely to fare much better against MK Dons, Shrewsbury and Peterborough, before Notts.
The Notts perspective: A low scoring game will suit Notts, and both sides have been privy to them on many an occasion this season. Therefore the fact that Barnet concede little, but score even fewer, means that another Notts clean sheet is likely. All it then takes is one goal...
Points gained: Three
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Key man: Jason Puncheon - Highlighted by Ian McParland as one of the divisions brigtest talents. A fine player who can win a game on his own.
Last six: L,L,L,L,W,W
Decisive factor: The Bees will come to Meadow Lane having had an awful run of fixtures that may have sucked them right into the mire. Having lost every game so far in February, they are unlikely to fare much better against MK Dons, Shrewsbury and Peterborough, before Notts.
The Notts perspective: A low scoring game will suit Notts, and both sides have been privy to them on many an occasion this season. Therefore the fact that Barnet concede little, but score even fewer, means that another Notts clean sheet is likely. All it then takes is one goal...
Points gained: Three
Tuesday March 11, 2008 - Meadow Lane v LINCOLN CITY
About the opponents: The Imps have been a rich vein of form of late winning five league games on the bounce. They ahve showed the kibnd of form that would fire Notts out of trouble. City are now ten points adrift of the paly-offs after rthe run that has converted their season.
Key man: Dany N'Guessan - The flying Frenchmen has been in splendid form of late teraing defences to shreads. Could be one to watch at Meadow Lane.
Last six: W,W,W,W,W,L
Decisive factor: Peter Jackson is unlikely to be managing his Imps side having been diagnosed with throat cancer. That means Jackson will shortly hand the managerial reigns to assistant boss Iffy Onuora, who will struggle to replicate the incredible turnaround instigated by Jackson.
The Notts perspective: The Magpies have a fantastic home record against the Imps, and that will play a part in the local derby where the visitors are likely to be backed hugely by the travelling support. There isn't much to choose between the sides in terms of individual merits, but the almost bogey like nature of Notts against City at Meadow Lane could play a part.
Points gained: Three
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Key man: Dany N'Guessan - The flying Frenchmen has been in splendid form of late teraing defences to shreads. Could be one to watch at Meadow Lane.
Last six: W,W,W,W,W,L
Decisive factor: Peter Jackson is unlikely to be managing his Imps side having been diagnosed with throat cancer. That means Jackson will shortly hand the managerial reigns to assistant boss Iffy Onuora, who will struggle to replicate the incredible turnaround instigated by Jackson.
The Notts perspective: The Magpies have a fantastic home record against the Imps, and that will play a part in the local derby where the visitors are likely to be backed hugely by the travelling support. There isn't much to choose between the sides in terms of individual merits, but the almost bogey like nature of Notts against City at Meadow Lane could play a part.
Points gained: Three