|
Notts could either go out flying down at Victoria Park in eagerness to get going again after the break xcame at a bad time considering the momentum from the previous week's win over Shrewsbury.
Or they could be flat, lacking in match sharpness and taken apart by a Daggers outfit eager to avenge a himilating 4-0 loss at the Shrews seven days ago.
The hope is that the first will apply, and Ian McParland's men can go on and get a much needed second away win of the campaign to lift them further from the relegation zone.
It should, and Notts should be targeting three points considering their hosts precarious position.
|
Notts - Myles Weston came through a behind closed doors friendly with Aston Villa in midweek and is in contention for a place in the squad. Neil MacKenzie looks a certain starter after his heroics against the Shrews, and is likely to replace Matt Somner. Mike Edwards and Jay Smith remain out until the New Year. McParland is unlikely to change makeshift wingers Austin McCann and Lawrie Dudfield.
Dagenham - Boss John Still is likely to make changes after the 4-0 reverse. One will be forced with Soloman Taiwo dismissed against Shrewsbury for a professional foul meaning he is suspended for the game. Still has a number of injuries to assess and some may face late fitness checks.
Form guide
Notts - It seems like an age since Notts bouned off the Meadow Lane pitch following the win against Shrewsbury that was the first in five following a four-game losing streak. On their travels the Magpies haven't played since losing 2-1 at Lincoln City four games ago. Notts are 19th in the table, six points above the drop zone and ten off the playoffs. Away from home they have four defeats, four draws and one win.
Dagenham - It is difficult to know which Daggers side will turn up with their recent sequence reading lost, drew, won, lost, won, lost. At home ten gamjes have heralded just two wins, three draws and five defeats. Still's men are 22nd in League Two, two points in safety and three behind Notts.
The view
Notts - Defender Stephen Hunt praises the fans: "The fans were great (against Shrewsbury) and the boys notice it. People say you do not but at the end of the game if you are getting clapped off instead of booed off it makes a massive difference. It makes a big difference in the modd and they can be great for us."
|
Key men
Notts - Krystian Pearce has been a man mountain for Notts during his loan spell and is sure to be a vital performer on Saturday. His frame, pace and composure mark him out as a real talent and no Daggers player will find it easy to get the better of him. Should he be at his best Notts will have an outstanding chance of a much needed clean sheet. And then all it takes is one goal.
Dagenham - Goalkeeper Tony Roberts provides all the necessary experience at the back needed for the Daggers' fight to stay in the Football League at the very first attempt. Against the Magpies he will need to be at his best with Notts likely to be confident on the back of the Shrewsbury win. He is an ever present so far this season and is a more than cpaable League Two keeper. As with Pearce for Notts, if he is on song a clean sheet could be eamed, and that makes winning all that easier.
Big battle
|
|
Although Pearce has earnt more praise at the back for Notts recently, Tann has come to the fore with his attitude and determination seeing him handed the captaincy by McParland. His enthusiasm and no-nonsense defending will need to be on show again as Benson is a real threat. Plucked from Sunday football, Benson's rawness and determination knows no boundaries and he will be a lively customer eager to make his mark in the Football League. A fine goalscorer, Benson must be kept quiet and Tann is the man to do so.
Possible line-ups
Notts - (4-4-2) Kevin Pilkington; Gary Silk, Krystian Pearce, Adam Tann, Stephen Hunt; Lawrie Dudfield, Richard Butcher, Neil MacKenzie, Austin McCann; Spencer Weir-Daley, Jason Lee.
Dagenham - (4-4-2) Tony Roberts; Magnus Okuonghae, Shane Huke, Anwar Uddin, Sam Sloma; Marlon Patterson, Ben Strevens, Glen Southam, Anthony Cook; Paul Benson, John Nurse.
Prediction
Notts to win 2-0.