NCM's pick

Goalkeeper: Kevin Pilkington deserves to keep his place despite a slight dip in from over the past two games. Previously this season he has been performing well and his experience is key with such a young side in front of him. The alternative is 18-year-old Tim Sandercombe who has yet to play a league fixture meaning his rawness isn't ideal at such a crucial stage of the campaign.

Back four (r-l): With Lee Canoville injured Gary Silk will slot in after recovering from his own knock. Had Canoville been available Silk deserves the nod anyway after impressing in numerous substitute outings. Canoville hasn't set the world alight and has been guilty of lapses in concentration and should be dropped.

Adam Tann and Stephen Hunt were showing signs of building a good rapport with a great display against Chesterfield but six goals shipped in two games means they are back under pressure. Both were poor at Wycombe but overall are the best defenders available and will improve as they have the talent.

At left-back Austin McCann has a great chance to stake his claim for a regular starting berth as Paul Mayo sits out his one game suspension after a red card at Wycombe. McCann has been patient and must grasp this chance.










Midfield four (r-l): A surprise choice maybe on the right wing but NCM believe Lawrie Dudfield could be a great outlet down the wing. He may be a striker by trade but with a lack of goals to his name and his fine performances wide in a front three have proved he could be accustomed to this role. He has a great cross and can beat a man aswell as working hard and getting back to defend. A winger in the making?

In the centre there is immense competition for places. It is unknown how fit Jay Smith is so we'll leave him out of the equation for the time being meaning Matt Somner, Neil MacKenzie and Richard Butcher are fighting it out.

Butcher has scored five in eleven from midfield but NCM feels MacKenzie still adds more and would prefer to keep the industrious Somner in there alongside him considering his own good form and the fact he can break play up more effectively than the other two.

If Myles Weston is fit enough to be on the bench then he is to start in NCM's eyes, even if it means taking him off later on. Bury won't know whats hit them when the speedster runs at the, so shove him on the left wing.










Forward two (r-l): With Dudfield on the wing it leaves Jason Lee, Spencer Weir-Daley, Andy Parkinson, Hector Sam and Danny Crow fighting it out for the front two places.

Crow must start for the new signing impact and he has been brought here to get goals.

Alongside him should be Weir-Daley - these two's pace would scare any defence particulalry a slow one like Bury's. Lee and Parkinson are well off form while Sam has been inconsistent.