NCM's pick v Mansfield

Goalkeeper - It would be a major surprise if McParland opted for youngster Tim Sandercombe for such a massive match even with the flux of goals that have passed Kevin Pilkington rcently. Pilkington will be up for this game more than any after spending so many years at Field Mill and is clearly still Notts' undisputed number one.










Defenders (right-left) - Gary Silk will be given another chance to impress with Lee Canoville still absent through injury. This should be his sort of game with his tenacity key to derby day victory's, especially as he may face the pacey Simon Brown.

Adam Tann and Stephen Hunt are sure to continue their centre-back partnership with Mike Edwards still out and a lack of other options owing to further injuries to Canoville and Michael Byron. Neither have been clever in recent weeks but may see this game as an ideal chance to get back on track. If they don't it may be time to review one of their positions.

Austin McCann and Paul Mayo have fought hard for the left-back slot all season but previous boss Steve Thompson preffered Mayo for much of it until his suspension allowed McCann back in last week and he performed well. He should therefore be given a chance to keep his place, particularly on the ground he put in his best Notts performance to date last season.










Midfielders (right to left) - McParland is likely to employ wingers with Thompson's 4-3-3 formation clealry not working and with McParland having played wing himself. Unfortunately Notts do have a lack of wingers in their side with Andy Parkinson perhaps the only out and out right winger in the ranks. He has been woeful recently, but time for a fresh start maybe? Give him a run out, and it could prove a masterstroke - he does afterall have the ability to make things happen.

Inside Matt Somner loves these types of games and would be perfect to face up to the physical and battling aspects of a local derby. Who NCM'd pick to partner him is difficult. Jay Smith won't be fully fit ruling him out. Richard Butcher has banged in some priceless goals but it is Neil MacKenzie who has been the best creative threat all season and will be looking forward to facing his former club.

On the left Myles Weston is surely improving his fitness and must now be ready for at least an hour. A natural left-sided wing man - the only one in the squad - he has to figure for the balance. His still unknown quantity would put the frighteners up the Stags and isn't it about time Notts fans saw what he was all bout?










Strikers - With Jason Lee and new boy Danny Crow absent through injury only the scoreless Lawrie Dudfield plus Hector Sam and Spencer Weir-Daley are vying for a place. NCM would go for Dudfield and Weir-Daley who played off each other well last week. They are both more enthusiastic players and would fit the bill for a derby well.










Remember - this is the opinion of NCM and not the actual line-up!