Steve Thompson has promised changes to the side that slumped at home to Hartlepool on Tuesday. The shambolic performance that saw Notts fail to test the opposing goalkeeper even once, was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons. As yet, NCM have remained quiet on the issue, there really isn't too much to say, apart from that it was utter garbage. In front of a poor attendance, the performance didn't even merit a man and a dog as the full amount of spectators. Now we take a look at the men he could pick, to get three points against rock bottom Macclesfield Town. The visitors to Meadow Lane arrive on the back of two successive wins, one against Hartlepool, and will be dangerous opposition.
Goalkeeper: Kevin Pilkington or Saul Deeney. On Tuesday Pilkington put in a woeful showing. His composure was seriously lacking, and his kicking left everything to be desired. He was out of sorts, and with Deeney proving his worth in the Cups this season, now might be the time for change. Thompson is expected to stick with the experienced Pilkington, for the time being at least.
Right-Back: Dan Gleeson is the man in possession, but as with a number of Notts players, his early season showings have waned somewhat since his injury lay off. Gary Silk may be given a further chance, after some good showings at the start of the season and particularly against Southampton in the Carling Cup. Another option is to play David Pipe there. The Welshman has frequently been used as a wide man, but arrived as a full-back, a position perhaps suited to him better with his pace, tackling, determination and overlapping ability likely to help out defensively.
Left-back: Austin McCann is the regular choice, and has been one of the better players this season. However, his form has been questionable in recent weeks, but he should still start with the only other real competitor to his slot, Stephen Hunt, out injured. Dan Martin arrived at the club as a left-back.
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Central defence. Mike Edwards will and should start, no question. He has been Notts' most consistent performer so far, and combines this with good attacking instincts. Captain Alan White wasn't the worst man on the field on Tuesday, but he has had that title a lot in recent matches, and so finds his position under threat. However, Hunt is absent, and can't challenge. Were he fit, he'd perhaps be given the nod. Matt Somner and Dan Gleeson could play there, but Thompson prefers them elsewhere.
Right-wing: David Pipe, Junior Mendes, Andy Parkinson and Jake Sheridan could all play there and provide good width. Pipe is the regular, and Notts' reigning Player of the Season from that position, but if he were to play right-back, Mendes could come in with his trickery and directness. Parkinson is equally adept on the left, and probably the Magpies' best left-winger. Sheridan has been out in the cold for much of the season, but at times last season was Notts' brightest spark. Maybe he deserves his chance?
Left-wing: Notts do not have an abundance of natural left-footers. Parkinson is the man consistently picked in this spot, but he is more of a right-footer. Newcomer Daryl McMahon can use both, but he didn't shine by any means in his first start on Tuesday. Dan Martin, though not a natural left-sider, may fill the gap as he does have a good left-foot and has been unfairly left out in recent weeks, despite netting four times in just ten starts from midfield.
Central midfield: Ian Ross was the brightest spark on the pitch during the lacklustre showing, as far as Notts go, against Hartlepool. He should keep his position. Matt Somner was withdrawn for Jay Smith at half-time, and may miss out as Thompson could look to go with a more attacking approach. Martin is an option, as are the versatile Edwards and McMahon.
Strikers: Jason Lee, Notts' leading goalscorer and target man, is essential to Notts' direct tactics, so is likely to keep his place. Who partners him is open to debate. The experiment to employ Parkinson as his foil didn't work, and Mendes returns to full fitness after illness. Lawrie Dudfield is being clamoured for after some starring substitute displays, and may finally be given his chance. Forgotten man, and Carling Cup hero at Middlesbrough, Tcham N'Toya, may be brought back into the fold.
Drapes would play: (4-4-2): Deeney, Pipe, Somner, Edwards, McCann, Mendes, Ross, Martin, Parkinson, Lee, Dudfield. Subs: Pilkington, Gleeson, Smith, Sheridan, N'Toya.
Drapes thinks Thompson will play: (4-4-2): Pilkington, Silk, White, Edwards, McCann, Pipe, Ross, Smith, Parkinson, Lee, Mendes. Subs: Deeney, Gleeson, Somner, McMahon, Dudfield.
Drapes' prediction: Notts County 3-1 Macclesfield Town