Whilst it should always be about the team, local derbies in particular cry out for key players to win their individual battles on the field. NCM are going to look at five of such clashes ahead of Saturday's big match. With Mansfield currently above Notts in the league, a win is vital for Steve Thompson's men, particularly with only one win in eight going into the game.
Key Clash 1
Stephen Hunt V Barry Conlon
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Hunt is Notts' most in-form player. He can make strong claims to have been the only player to have come out of the recent slump with any credit, emerging as a regular at the back for the Magpies. He should start, indeed it would be a travesty if he don't, though given Thompson's inclination to start Alan White, Hunt may yet be sidelined. If he starts, he will have a tough task on his hands with another in-form player, Stag's Irish striker Barry Conlon. The experienced number nine has scored four times in nine starts, including a crucial penalty in the 2-1 away win at Lincoln last Saturday.
Where Hunt's better: Hunt has more pace than the ageing Conlon, and would beat him every time in a one on one race. Hunts no-nonsense approach will cut out mistakes, and he won't be physically overawed given his tough frame.
Where Conlon's better: At 29, Conlon has more know how than 22-year-old Hunt, and his positional sense could cause danger to Hunt. At 6ft 1inch Hunt is shorter than Conlon, and may lose out in the air unless he stays tight to the former Darlington ace.
Verdict: Hunt is performing like a seasoned professional, and his composed manner means he will not be overawed. Hunt
Austin McCann V Matt Hamshaw
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This turned out to be the key battle of the last clash between the sides in the 2-2 draw at Field Mill. Hamshaw was awesome in the first period, the biggest threat in Mansfield's armoury, whilst McCann was showing the form of his Notts career, form that has since dwindled quite alarmingly. At the time, McCann put in his best performance of the season, and also played his part in Hamshaw's sending off just after half-time. That was when the score was 2-0 to the home side, and McCann went down under a Hamshaw challenge that produced, eventually, a second yellow for the former Sheffield Wednesday winger. McCann goes into the game struggling for confidence, whilst Hamshaw is expected to start despite playing only thirty minutes as a second half substitute in Town's 2-1 win over Chester on Tuesday. He still claimed the Man of the Match prize.
Where McCann's better: He will be confident of facing Hamshaw after the game at Field Mill, where he got the better of his opponent. He has a tough competitive streak which will help him on the derby occasion, and Hamshaw's unwillingness to track back could see McCann cause trouble for Mansfield in the final third.
Where Hamshaw's better: His pace and direct running will cause McCann to panic, as Kevin Betsy and other wingers have in the past. He will be difficult to stop, and will be gunning for revenge on McCann, who he said dived in the last meeting.
Verdict: McCann's subdued confidence, coupled with Hamshaw's revenge mission means it may be a difficult day for the Notts man, particularly given Hamshaw's intelligence on the ball. Hamshaw
Lawrie Dudfield V Alex John-Baptiste
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Dudfield was Notts' hero at Field Mill, scoring the late equaliser and generally performing very well on the day. His form has been okay recently, though his suspension after five bookings has disrupted his showings. He missed a good chance at Peterborough and was thwarted on more than one occasion at Shrewsbury. Baptiste scored the winner for the Stags against Chester, and will be extremely buoyant. As a Mansfield lad, he will be particularly up for this game, and will look to set a Captain's example.
Where Dudfield's better: Dudfield has a knack of creating space for others with his intelligent running, particularly into the channels where he does some damage, often laying on good chances for his team mates, Junior Mendes will provide evidence for that with his chance against Peterborough. The ex Boston striker has good finishing ability when given the chance, and is a determined character, unlikely to be physically overawed.
Where Baptiste's better: He has more pace, and with Notts' direct style he will enjoy a race over the top with Dudfield. He is better in the air, so Notts will need to play around him to get the better of him.
Verdict: Baptiste will always make a mistake at some point in the game, and Dudfield is lively enough to pounce. If he does then Notts could gain a considerable advantage. Dudfield
Jay Smith V Jonathon D'Laryea
The engine room of midfield is a vital area in every game, not least in local derbies. A thrilling contest is in store between Smith and D'Laryea, with both looking to outdo each other. Incredibly it is doubtful whether Smith will start, given the criticism of him made by Thompson after the Peterborough defeat. He has been in good form, and is Notts' best ball player, he is also likely to score. D'Laryea has been crucial to Mansfield's season, a real workhorse.
Where Smith is better: Smith is classy on the ball, and his fitness is top notch. He will get forward and back and be hard to track, whilst if given space he can dictate the game.
Where D'Laryea is better: He his physically imposing, and will outmuscle Smith in the tackle. He will also mop up on the edge of the area, where Smith can do damage, because his positional sense is good.
Verdict: A tough one to call, but Smith's experience and big game mentality could make him the best player on the pitch. Smith
Steve Thompson V Billy Dearden
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The key battle will surface on the touchline, as Thompson and former Notts boss Dearden aim to earn their sides local bragging rights. Thompson has faced calls for his head after a terrible run of just four wins in seventeen, and an alarming slump from Playoff certainty's to the lower regions. Dearden has recently masterminded Mansfield's run to go above Notts for the first time this season, with three wins from three, and has saw off any threat of relegation.
Where Thompson's better: Thompson has a knack of getting the best out of his players in big games, over seeing four points against rivals Lincoln, from a possible six, and also seeing through an incredible Carling Cup run. He has the passion to outdo Mansfield because of his superior motivational skills.
Where Dearden's better: Possibly more tactically astute, given his experience and the way he plays the game. He knows a lot about Meadow Lane after his stay there and will be forever composed, a calming influence on such a high intensity game.
Verdict: At the moment it is Dearden. It is hard to say overall, given both managers spells at Meadow Lane in the past, and their respective achievements elsewhere being fairly similar. Dearden