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When Notts kick-off their 2007/08 campaign at Blundell Park on Saturday it will have been 98 days since they last played a League Two game.
That was a dull 1-1 draw at Macclesfield Town, but how optimism has changed since then.
This is meant to be the season when the Magpies finally break out of the bottom division in the Football League.
With a host of new signings, confidence is high, whereas Saturdays opponents, Grimsby, have been less active in the summer transfer market making the game difficult to predict.
Notts are notoriously poor on the opening day, but need a good start for fans to stick with them given that all the noises from in the camp are pointing to promotion.
Team News
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Notts - A number of knocks have haunted Notts' pre-season preparations with Gary Silk, Jay Smith, Adam Tann and Myles Weston particularly affected. The first trio are expected to be fit enough to be in contention with Weston the biggest doubt with a niggling hamstring strain. Mike Edwards is definitely out until the New Year with boss Steve Thompson keeping everyone guessing as to his opening eleven.
Grimsby - A seemingly clean bill of health for Alan Buckley who has avoided any serous injuries in the Mariners' pre-season. New signings Jamie Clarke, James Hunt and Gary Montgomery are all in contention for a starting berth.
Form guide
Notts - Pre-season wise Notts have won three and lost two of their five fixtures. The wins all came against non-league opposition in the form of Saltash United, St Blazey and Tamworth, with East Midlands rivals Leicester City and Nottingham Forest both getting the better of Thompson's men. The Magpies ended last season without a win in four but did the double over the Mariners last term with two comfortable 2-0 wins.
Grimsby - The Mariners haven't had the greatest pre-season in terms of results. Defeats to Gainsborough Trinity and Farsley Celtic would have done little to inspire their fans but they did pick up with a deserved 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe United. They also lost to Hull City. At the end of last season Town were unbeaten in three.
The view
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Notts - Midfield star Neil MacKenzie recently told the official site: "Saturday is going to be a massive day for us. It is always important to get that first win under the belt and out of the way quickly."
Grimsby - New boy Jamie Clarke told their official website: "Notts County will do well this season but we've got no reason to fear anyone and we're all excited."
Key men
Notts - With team selection difficult to predict NCM are going for the safe option and declaring certain starter Stephen Hunt as the most important individual at Blundell Park. With regular central defensive partner Mike Edwards absent, Hunt has a lot of responsibility resting on his young shoulders. He grew in stature to become one of Notts' best players and prospects for along time at the end of last season and should he start where he left off he will be one of the best defenders in League Two. Needs to use his pace, power and determination to good affect against the experienced Isaiah Rankin.
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Grimsby - Justin Whittle has been massive for the Mariners over the years, and was one of the few defenders in the division last term to get to grips with the powerful Jason Lee. Not scared of a physical battle and with huge experience, the defender is entering perhaps his last season at Blundell Park and will be determined to mark it with success. His battle with Lee will be key, and extremely physical. Whittle has the know how to deal with his counterpart.
Big battle
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Notts' newest creative hope, MacKenzie has delighted in pre-season, scoring three goals in four appearances and looking every inch the kind of player to create the openings Notts need to be successful. Without a consistent supplier of goals and assists from midfield for a while, Notts fans
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Likely line-ups
Notts - (4-3-3) Kevin Pilkington, Lee Canoville, Adam Tann, Stephen Hunt, Austin McCann, Neil MacKenzie, Matt Somner, Richard Butcher, Andy Parkinson, Jason Lee, Lawrie Dudfield.
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Grimsby - (4-4-2) Phil Barnes, Nick Fenton, Justin Whittle, Ryan Bennett, Tom Newey, Peter Till, James Hunt, Paul Bolland, Ciaran Toner, Danny North, Isaiah Rankin
Drapes' prediction: So difficult to predict the opening day with both sides so hungry to start well and buoyed by having a fresh start. The smart money therefore would be on a draw. I say 1-1 with Notts to equalise through Lawrie Dudfield.