Macclesfield V Notts BIG Match Preview

The final game of the season is here, and Notts have once again given fans a topsy turvy time. This time, no relegation cliff-hanger, with the disappointment being the failure to be involved in a final day playoff bid.

Instead it is Notts' opponents who face a nerve wracking day. Paul Ince's Macclesfield could be relegated on Saturday, and join Torquay United in the Conference next season.

Ince... Biggest game of managerial career

With Boston and Wrexham - the other two sides fighting the drop - to face each other, a Boston win would leave Macclesfield needing three points to confirm their survival. Should Macclesfield lose handsomely to the Magpies, then even a draw at the Racecourse could relegate them. If Wrexham win, then this game becomes irrelevant.

Notts will be happy to play pressure free, not usually the case for the men in black and white. Currently thirteenth, Steve Thompson will be determined for his team to reach the top half of the table. They can only displace twelfth placed Wycombe in there, and would need to better the Chairboys' result at Barnet.

Team News

Notts - Thompson is likely to stick with the majority of his recent starting line-ups in order to give him the best chance of winning the game. However, those out of contract or with loan deals expiring, may make an appearance. Stephen Hunt is back from suspension but is struggling with a training ground injury while Myles Weston is out.

Macclesfield - The big news is that Ince has named himself in the squad and will make an appearance from the bench should things take a turn for the worse for the hosts. John Murphy is a fitness doubt whilst Jimmy McNulty is fit despite reports to the contrary.

Form Guide

Notts- After a run of four straight wins and clean sheets, the playoff push looked back on for Notts. However the Magpies have since lost two and drew one in their recent three games. Away from Meadow Lane, Notts are unbeaten in three but have an average record overall with three defeats coming before that.

Macclesfield - A difficult April has dragged the Silkmen back into relegation contention after previously moving well out of danger. In that month, Ince's men lost four of six and come into this fixture on the back of three straight losses. At Moss Rose, Macclesfield have recently been strong. Defeat to Bristol Rovers last time out was one of only two in fourteen.

From in the camp

Lee... no favours

Notts captain Jason Lee: "If (Macclesfield) go down, they go down. I am sorry to say that but as Notts County will know from last season being in that position is something you get yourself into and all we can do is go there, be professional and try to win." Notts Official Site

Macclesfield boss Ince: "There is no chance we are going out for a point to secure safety; we will be going out there to win from the first minute to the last." Macclesfield Official Site

Possible line-ups

Notts - (4-3-3) Kevin Pilkington, David Pipe, Michael Byron, Mike Edwards, Austin McCann, Jay Smith, Matt Somner, Dan Martin, James Walker, Jason Lee, Lawrie Dudfield

Macclesfield - (4-4-2) Tommy Lee, Robert Scott, Danny Swailes, David Morley, James McNulty, Martin Bullock, Alan Navarro, John Miles, Kevin McIntyre, Isiah Rankin, Matty McNeil

Key Battle

Edwards v McNeil

Fresh from being crowned 'Supporters' Player of the Season' Edwards will be in a positive frame of mind and he needs to be when he faces the towering presence of McNeil. At 6 ft 5 McNeil is one of the biggest men in League Two and his is quick to use his prowess to aid his sides cause. In the home game Edwards made some uncharacteristic errors with McNeil causing him some problems. The Silkmen won that game, and will do so again if Edwards repeats his Meadow Lane errors and allows McNeil to dominate him.

Danger Men

Notts - Lawrie Dudfield has the ability to open up any defence in this division. Other than a poor afternoon in last Saturday's defeat against Darlington, the former Boston man has been in sparkling form, causing havoc for the divisions top two defences Hartlepool and particularly Walsall, in recent

McIntyre shows his skill at Meadow Lane

clashes. His quick feet and determined attitude will make him a threat on the counter-attack for Notts as they attempt to confine Macclesfield to the drop.

Macclesfield - Kevin McIntyre scored the vital second in Town's 2-1 win at Meadow Lane earlier in the season and demonstrated his threat. Despite favouring a wing-back position, McIntyre has netted nine times this season. Another six footer, McIntyre will be dangerous from set pieces and when balls are crossed from the opposite wing.

Drapes' Prediction: Tough one to call, but I think the nerves will show for the hosts and Notts will be dangerous on the counter-attack if they persist with three up front. Notts to win 2-1.