Team News
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As for the midfield, Ian Ross is available for selection but may only be named on Thommo's bench. Alan White returns from suspension and Kevin Pilkington could be in line to replace Saul Deeney in goal.
Mansfield defender Jake Buxton is a doubt but if he pulls through the Stags will only be missing Giles Coke who is a long-term absentee with a knee problem.
Form Guide
This game really could go either way. The Magpie's form at home has been patchy all season but in recent weeks County have won 2, drawn 2 and lost 2 in their last six at Meadow Lane. The Stags have the exact same record in their last six matches on the road. It is as open as it could possibly be.
As for the broader picture, Mansfield have won the last 3 in the league with a 2-1 win over Chester mid-week taking the Stags above Notts in the league, up to twelfth. Town also beat Lincoln at Sincil Bank last week as Billy Dearden's side hit top form.
Notts on the other hand have no wins in their last three and in their last home game earned a 2-2 draw with high flying MK Dons.
Tactics
It really is an important tie for both teams. Mansfield in 12th and Notts in 13th, both sides will have an eye on a top half finish.
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Notts renowned for their boisterous direct football against Mansfield team who like to get the ball on the deck and play through teams. Both styles have bought about successes and failures for the teams involved, over the course of the season, and tomorrow will be no different.
As with every local derby, the Notts fans great support could bring the best from their beloved black and whites. Sing up Magpies, Magpie's play up!
Key men
Matt Hamshaw
Sent off against Notts earlier this season at Field Mill, Hamshaw has a point to prove. His man of the match display in mid-week against Chester will fill the winger with confidence and give left-back McCann a lot to deal with. His pace and flair make him a right handful. He could be a match winner if Notts don't deal with him throughout the ninety minutes.
Barry Conlon
Conlon, 29, will be facing in form County defender Stephen Hunt. His experience could be invaluable to his side getting a result. The tall front man will be confident of winning the battle in the air but on recent form, Hunt will fear no-one. The former Darlington man is a right man right place player who will be on hand to finish any scraps the back line leave for him.
Lawrie Dudfield
In the absence of Jason Lee, can Dudfield feel his boots? A completely different striker to his usual partner Lee, but well capable of finding the net. He likes to drift wide and find space but he really will have to step up and take the lead up top tomorrow if Notts wish to emerge as victors.
Jay Smith
Some doubt Smith will start tomorrow, but surely Thommo won't have the bottle to leave him out. He has been a shining light at Meadow Lane since his arrival on loan from Championship side Southend United. His confidence makes him comfortable on the ball. On his day he will dominate the midfield, giving Notts a strong hold on the game. Not very strong in the tackle but he makes up for it in his picking of killer passes. His athleticism makes him a real danger man for Notts. Always threatening to find the net with a dazzling strike.
Possible line-ups:
Notts (4-4-2): Pilkington, Pipe, Hunt, White, McCann, Parkinson, Smith, Edwards, Martin, Dudfield, N'Toya
Mansfield (4-4-2): White, Jelleyman, Mullins, Baptiste, Baxter, Hodge, D'Laryea, Dawson, Hamshaw, Conlon, Brown
Moss' prediction: An exciting game at Meadow Lane, Notts back to winning ways: 2-1