Chester v Notts... ANOTHER MUST WIN preview

This is it. No more ifs or buts, Notts must win at Chester. One win in twelve is abysmal. Putting pressure on might not help, but it will hardly hinder the current awful situation.

Deva... Has to produce Notts win

Full credit this week must go to management duo Ian McParland and Dave Kevan, alongside the Trust for making room for another addition in the form of Danny Crow.

After completing just an hour of football for the club in a previous spell, Crow now has a bigger chance to show his capabilities and the news is only positive.

With Crow twinned up top with another Norwich youngster in Ryan Jarvis, Notts might now have the cutting edge that has been sadly lacking.

Crow... Straight back in

They have to win this one.

Team news

Notts - Crow goes straight into McParland's squad and is a likely starter but Stephen Hunt and Gavin Strachan look like they will miss out. Neil MacKenzie is back in contention but Tim Sandercombe is definitely out. Paul Mayo is in the squad after completing his loan spell.

Chester - Key man Kevin Ellison is back from suspension while Richie Partridge should be recalled. Nathan Lownders is ruled out, but former Notts man Craig Lindfield is in contention for a start.

Form guide

Notts - Just one win in twelve for the Magpies and none in the last five games. Four draws and a defeat have slipped Notts into deep trouble in League Two. McParland's men are now twentieth, just five points above the drop zone. Away from Meadow Lane it is just one win, with five defeats and an incredible nine draws.

Chester - The Blues are in an even worse run of form than Notts of late having picked up no wins in 11 games. That sequence has heralded nine defeats and plummeted Bobby Williamson's men from playoff contenders to relegation battlers. They are now 15th, twelve above safety but were hammered 6-2 by Dagenham in midweek. At the Deva they have lost nine times, winning four and drawing three.

Last time out

Notts County 1-0 Chester City (January 19, 2008)

Dudfield... Unlucky at Meadow

The only one of Notts' wins in the last 12 came against the Blues as Adam Tann bundled the ball in for the only goal of the game at Meadow Lane.

In a tight game which either side could have won, Tann's 58th minute header which came after Richard Butcher lofted the ball into the box and Jason Lee headed at goal with Tann pouncing as Lee's header moved off target.

Notts had goalkeeper Kevin Pilkington to thank as he produced the save of the season to palm away a Kevin Sandwith free-kick over the bar with the ball set to cross the line.

Lawrie Dudfield could have had a hat-trick but was unlucky to see one hit the bar, another the post and a third well saved.

Key men

Notts - We need goals and we need them now, and a striker has to start getting them. Step forward Danny Crow.

The new addition has to get his shooting boots on immediately, no messing about, and he is the right man to do so.

Butler... Captain

If Notts find a man to fin the net regularly most of their problems will be solved, and Crow can be that man.

He has the ability with the ball, and the hunger to make it happen. Presented with a decent chance he will ibvariably snap it up, and one chance might be enough against the visitors and their fragile confidence.

Chester - Paul Butler's experience is needed now more than ever as the Blues try to prevent themselves slipping into a relegation fight.

The former Premiership defender was found wanting as Dagenham crushed his side in midweek, but as captain he must now stand up and be counted.

He was an inspiration in the opening weeks as Williamson's men charged into the top seven and stayed there for some time.

If he gets back to that form it will be a tough day for Notts.

Big battle

John Murphy's return to action has been one of few plusses in recent weeks for Chester, with the big striker an integral member of the team that started so well.

The Blackpool legend missed out at Meadow Lane, but will start on Saturday and will be one of the Blues' chief threats.

With nine goals to his name, including one against Dagenham, Murphy must be watched and there is no better to do that on current form than Adam Tann - Notts' man of the match in recent weeks.

The captain has tried in vain to lift the troops with his performances, and is man enough to match Murphy's power. He must do more than that though - he must better it.

Possible line-ups

Notts (4-4-2) - Kevin Pilkington; Lee Canoville, Adam Tann, Mike Edwards, Austin McCann; Ali Gibb, Gary Silk, Jay Smith, Richard Butcher; Jason Lee, Danny Crow.

Chester (4-4-2) - John Danby; James Vaughan, Paul Butler, Tony Dinning, Lawrence Wilson; Richie Partridge, Mark Hughes, Tony Grant, Kevin Ellison; John Murphy, Craig Lindfield.

Prediction

I have a lovely, funny feeling for a Notts win and a striker to score - Crow! 1-2.