It's Carling Cup Second Round day, and Notts County's excellent away day victory at Crystal Palace in Round 1, has seen them "rewarded" with a tie at 'Premiership' Middlesbrough.
As Steve Thompson's men take the long journey to Teesside, praise from the 2-1 success at then ‘Championship' pacesetters Palace still rings in their ears.
Whilst Thompson employed a virtually second string side in that game, with the likes of Stephen Hunt, Jake Sheridan, Tcham N'Toya and Saul Deeney making their first starts, Notts still put in a superb performance, one that warranted the win given to them courtesy of Lawrie Dudfield and Dan Martin goals. Ian Ross also impressed that day.
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The win however, probably warranted a better draw than the one they face tonight. With Middlesbrough often getting only crowds of 9,000 for European games last term, Notts are unlikely to receive a huge amount of financial clout from the tie.
It would be fair to say that a magpies victory is unlikely, particularly with ‘Boro likely to include a number of first-team regulars.
Therefore a “good day out” attitude is the most likely to be taken by officials and supporters of the club alike.
Needless to say, there will be those inside the club that will go to the enlightening Riverside Stadium with a fantastic attitude, and, as Thompson's side have showed already this season, a refusal to lay down and die.
Speaking to NCM after the draw was made, Thompson declared, “The priority is League 2 and doing well in that division. I don't think we have got any reward whatsoever for beating Crystal Palace and I would have liked a HOME game against a Premiership team.”
Thompson's opposite number is inexperienced, former centre-half, Gareth Southgate. Southgate, who took the reigns from the now England manager Steve McClaren during the summer, as guided ‘Boro to a draw at Arsenal and a victory at home to Chelsea. They have also been thumped at home by Portsmouth.
Indeed, the clash between Thompson and Southgate on the touchline is the first of the key battles tonight, as Middlesbrough and Notts County go head-to-head…
Southgate V Thompson.
Both managers are likely to ring the changes from the sides that played in the League at the weekend.
Southgate will give a debut to defender Robert Huth, with Jonathon Woodgate rested, whilst Mark Viduka, Lee Cattermole and Massimo Maccarone are all expected to feature.
Thompson will leave Alan White, David Pipe, Andy Parkinson, Jason Lee, Kevin Pilkington and Jason Lee behind, as he keeps faith in the majority of players who performed at Palace.
Huth V N'Toya.
German defender Robert Huth will have faced much sterner tests, but with this being his debut, and return from injury, the pacey N'Toya will fancy his chances of shining tonight.
N'Toya has been given limited, substitute roles so far, but has impressed Notts fans with his willing running, direct approach and silky skills.
Both will be eager to impress, so expect a fierce battle. If N'Toya wins it, maybe there will be cause for concern for ‘Boro.
Cattermole V Ross.
After his tears during Boro's crushing 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa on his debut last season, young midfielder Lee Cattermole has grown in stature to become one of the brightest youngsters in the Premiership. His tenacity and bravery are matched by his playmaking skills, which will be key if Boro are to overcome a hard working Notts.
Notts' playmaker is likely to be Sheffield United loanee Ian Ross, who has had an indifferent start to his Notts career. He will be eager to prove he belongs on this stage, as he seeks a place in Sheffield United's squad.
Drapes' Prediction: 'Boro 4-1 Magpies