As Notts defender Austin McCann has said, the next seven days could make or break Notts' bid to reach the Playoff's. Currently five points adrift of them, in eighth, Notts face three vital games in a week, starting with Rochdale tomorrow.
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If Notts are to achieve their aim of making an assault on the Playoff's, a minimum of seven points is surely required from these games.
Rochdale sit in twentieth position, just two points above the relegation zone.
Form Guide
The one bright spot for Notts is that they head into the games in decent form. They have scored nine goals in their last three home games, all wins, and have lost just once in six matches.
The flip side sees a Rochdale outfit arriving to Nottingham in good form themselves. They have just one defeat from seven games, and recently thrashed the MK Dons 5-0. Away from Spotland, they are unbeaten in two months of action. They haven't played for a fortnight, after their clash with Swindon last weekend was postponed.
Team News
Notts boss Steve Thompson can have no excuses for missing players as he has a full squad at his disposal. The one concern remains Junior Mendes who continues to struggle with strained ligaments. However, he should be fit to make his customary substitute appearance. Alan White is fully fit, and Jason Lee has overcome illness.
Recently appointed Rochdale manager Keith Hill nearly has that luxury with just one player sidelined. That is top scorer Chris Dagnall who has a broken ankle. However Kelvin Etuhu has rejoined Manchester City after his loan contract expired. New boy Ben Muirhead should feature.
Possible teams
Notts: Kevin Pilkington, Gary Silk, Mike Edwards, Stephen Hunt, Austin McCann, David Pipe, Matt Somner, Jay Smith, Andy Parkinson, Jason Lee, Lawrie Dudfield
Rochdale: Matt Gilks, Simon Ramsden, Alan Goodall, Rory McArdle, Rory Predergast, Gary Jones, John Doolan, Ben Muirhead, Adam Le Fondre, Glenn Murray, Nathan Stanton
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Key Man
Notts: Lawrie Dudfield has been awesome in recent weeks, scoring goals and creating chances. If he continues this rich vein he will surely emerge as the key player tomorrow. Has the ability to open up any defence, and has created a good understanding with Andy Parkinson down the left hand side. Could be Notts' spark.
Rochdale: Nathan Stanton is the rock in which a measly recent defence has been built. Nottingham-born, Stanton is powerful in the challenge, solid in the air and commanding in his play.
Danger Man
Notts: Jay Smith has shown he can pop up with a goal with two outside of the box strikes, fast becoming his forte, in two of the last three home games. Rochdale will have to watch his ability to pop up from nowhere, and also his tireless work ethic.
Rochdale: Six-foot striker Glenn Murray has the strength to disrupt any defence, and Notts will need to keep an eye out for his aerial ability. Carlisle's key man during their promotion from the Conference two seasons ago, Murray has four goals to his name this season.
MAD Predictions: Here are some of the predictions of NCM Messageboard users.
EatonPie: Notts to win 1-0, Dudfield to score.
Themightypies: Notts to win 3-1, Dudfield, Lee and Parkinson to net for the Magpies.
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Caj85: Notts to win 2-1, Edwards and Lee to score.
Ncfclad: Notts to win 4-0, Dudfield, Lee, Somner and Hunt to score.
NCFC_Shaun: Notts to win 2-0, Smith and Lee to score.
Countyrich: Notts to win 2-1.
Drapes' Prediction: Going with the majority in what is a must win game for the Magpies. I will say 2-0 to Notts, Lee and Dudfield to score.