Big match preview: Bradford City v Notts County

Pre-season has been the most optimistic period for Notts fans over the past few years, with mentions of fresh starts and clean slates frequently filtering through the media.

Once again we have a 'new beginning', as stated in various County promotional paraphernalia, but can this finally be the season where we have something to cheer about for the first time since Sam Allardyce led us to the Division Three championship over a decade ago?

Doubtful: Johnno could miss the game with a hamstring problem...

Notts open the season against a very strong looking Bradford City, who have added great quality to their ranks over the summer, making them favourites for promotion.

Team news:

Notts County will be without Gavin Strachan, Stephen Hunt and Russell Hoult, who will all miss out through injury.

Michael Johnson remains doubtful but is expected to be named in the squad, despite missing the game against Nottingham Forest with a hamstring problem.

New signings, Delroy Facey and Sean Canham are both available for selection, with at least one of them expected to feature at some point throughout the encounter.

Bradford City will be boosted by the news that Michael Boulding is fit to play. The former Mansfield striker will be expected to be named on the bench having missed the majority of the Bantams' pre-season preparations.

Midfielder, Joe Colbeck will have to sit out the fixture, as he continues his three match ban after being dismissed against MK Dons at the back end of last season.

Ones to watch:

Big game: Facey will need to be strong to bring others into play...

Delroy Facey will more than likely be handed a starting position for the Magpies despite just signing for the club, as his physical presence will be essential in a fixture such as this.

The powerful striker will be a vital figure at the spearhead of County's attack, as he will be required to help his side push forward by holding up the ball and competing aerially.

There is a good chance that Notts will face a tough battle against Bradford, so the former Gillingham man could prove vital in helping to nick a goal from set pieces.

Peter Thorne scored 14 times last season, including four in the two games against Notts.

In the same fixture last year, the experienced front-man bagged a hat-trick to condemn the Magpies to a 3-0 defeat.

The ex-Norwich City man will be looking to make the same impact again this time around, continuing his great run of form against County.

Electric: Daley's pace will cause problems...

Key battle:

Omar Daley will prove a tough challenge for either Paul Mayo or Jason Beardsley, depending on which flank he plays on.

The nippy winger has been in fine form throughout pre-season, teasing defenders with his electrifying pace.

Notts' full-backs must be in excellent form to keep the Jamaican international at bay. Failure to do so could prove catastrophic.

Ticket information:

County fans will be situated in the Midland Road Stand. Tickets will be priced at:

Adults - £20

Concessions - £14

Children (under 16) - £12

Odds:

Ladbrokes have the home side down as favourites at 8/11, whereas Notts could be worth a punt at 3/1. A draw is at reasonable odds at 12/5.

Transport:

Fans wishing to travel by train may wish to catch the 10.42 train from the Nottingham station, which arrives at Bradford Forster Square station at 13.30. The station is just under a mile away from Valley Parade.

The return trip will leave Bradford at 17.31 - arriving in back in Nottingham at 20.10. An adult day return will cost £28.80.

Fans wishing to travel by car can gather directions by clicking here…

Manningham Road and Lumb Lane are popular spots to park, although they do get busy closer to kick-off.

Many pubs can be situated close to here as well for those accompanying the responsible drivers.

Season Predictions:

Over a quarter of Notts fans who voted in NCM's latest poll thought that their side could acquire a top seven finish come the end of the season, with 8 percent predicting an automatic-promotion spot and another 22.4 percent expecting a play-off position.

A further 44.3 percent of the 174 people that voted think that County will finish in the top half, meaning that high expectations are widespread.

23.6 percent are remaining cautious, tipping Notts to once again finish in the lower half of the League Two table.

The final 2.3 percent feel that the Magpies will sink further than last year, concluding in relegation to the Blue Square Premier - pessimism at its finest.

Let's all hope that this is the year that Notts' fortunes will finally change for the better. Come on you 'Pies!