As Wycombe and Stockport edge further away from the chasing pack, in sixth and seventh of the League 2 Playoff zone, those behind are beginning to realise their dream might not materialise.
For both Notts and Peterborough, this makes Saturday's clash a must win game. Notts, with just one win in seven, were a permanent fixture inside the zone for three months of the campaign in 2006, however, a win for the Posh, who havent appeared in the Playoffs since the turn of the New Year, will move them above the Magpies and possibly back to within five points of seventh place.
A six-pointer if ever there was one.
|
Notts
15 goal top scorer Jason Lee misses the first of his three game ban after accumulating a mammoth fifteen yellow cards. The total is now sixteen. Also missing out through suspension after just five bookings apiece are Alan White and Ian Ross. Lawrie Dudfield returns from suspension, whilst there are no injuries to report.
Peterborough
Danny Crow, a former Notts target, is set to step into Aaron McLean's boots in a bid to fire the Posh to the Playoffs without their ten goal man. McLean will miss the rest of the season with interior cruciate damage to his knee. Also out are Guy Branston and Adam Smith.
Form Guide
Notts
One win in seven, and just one point from a possible two points from the last twelve available, Notts are on a downward spiral. After looking comfortable in eighth place for the majority of 2007, the bottom half of the table lurks, with form sides such as Shrewsbury, Darlington and Hereford overtaking them. Notts haven't won away since a win at Accrington Stanley on January 13th.
Peterborough
The Posh are unbeaten in four games, but have won just twice in sixteen. Seven teams have gone to London Road and picked up three points so far this season. Bury were beaten 3-0 at Gigg Lane in the Posh's last outing.
Probable line-ups:
|
Notts
Kevin Pilkington, Gary Silk, Mike Edwards, Stephen Hunt, Austin McCann, David Pipe, Jay Smith, Matt Somner, Andy Parkinson, Junior Mendes, Lawrie Dudfield.
Peterborough
Mark Tyler, Adam Newton, Josh Low, Craig Morgan, Ben Futcher, Peter Gain, Gavin Strachan, Micah Hyde, Shane Blackett, George Boyd, Craig Mackail-Smith
Key Figures
Notts
David Pipe should revert to a right-wing position, with Ian Ross suspended forcing a change. Pipe will have to be at his energetic best. He is the man with the most assists for the Magpies so far this season, and he will have to help out defensively too, with the left side of Peterborough particularly strong. His ability to run at the defence and create openings with his pace will be crucial if Notts are to score at London Road.
Peterborough
Micah Hyde has all the experience in the world, and he will line up in the Posh midfield. Tough tackling, and with an ability to score the odd cracker, Hyde will need to be watched. If he is allowed to get a foothold on the game it could be a very difficult afternoon for Notts.
|
Notts boss Steve Thompson: (Speaking to Magpie World) "There's an awful lot to play and fight for this season. There are a lot of points to play for and we won't give up until it is impossible. If the points we total get us into the Playoffs, then great. We know it is a long shot, but we are going for it."
Posh boss Darren Ferguson: (Speaking to Peterborough's Official Website) "I expect it to be a decent game because they (Notts) have had a good season so far. If we beat Notts, we will go above them in the table and these are massive games."
Drapes' Prediction: Notts to battle hard for a point. 1-1. Mendes to strike first.