Notts v Dagenham... BIG Match Preview

It has been one hell of a week with Notts.

The deaprtures of Chairman Jeff Moore, Technical Director Howard Wilkinson and Trust Chairman Keri Usherwood have shaken the club.

Why did they resign? Will boss Steve Thompson follow? Will Notts be taken over?

So many questions have been left unanswered in the aftermath of a week of chaos at Meadow Lane.

Meadow Lane...Notts are home after week of chaos

But one thing that hasn't changed is the players who will again pull on the black and white strip on Saturday.

One thing that hasn't changed is the fans expectancy.

And, one thing that hasn't changed is Notts' poor start to the season.

Defeat at the MK Dons last week saw County sink to 21st in the table, some way off a hoped top seven finish.

And, despite all destruction behind the scenes, it is only what happens on the pitch that can lift Notts from this gloomy situation.

No matter who has come and who has gone it is the same players that are responsible for turning things around where it matters- on the pitch.

It's back to Meadow Lane this weekend for Notts and a game against League Two new boys Dagenham & Redbridge, as the Magpies look to register their first win of the campaign.

Team News

Notts: Steve Thompson is sweating over the fitness of Andy Parkinson. Parky has been used in all but one of the Magpies outings this season, but could miss out this time after a small knock.

He could be replaced by winger Myles Weston who has recovered from his hamstring injury.

Neil MacKenzie may also return after missing out at MK Dons last week.

Daggers: Skipper Anwar should go straight back into the side after missing out against Barnet.

Summer signing John Nurse could also make the first eleven.

MacKenzie...Could be back

Form Guide

Notts: Yet to win this season, two draws at home so far, the Magpies need to do better. You get the feeling that when win comes more will follwo but it is prving elusive. County have yet to take the lead either this season. Coming from behind to grab four draws. Scoring first could turn things around.

Daggers: At home they'll be a match for anyone but they've already proved their vulnerability on thier travels. Just one point from a possible six away and conceding six goals shows they're far from comfortable.

Key Men

Notts: Stephen Hunt

A great perforamce at MK Dons marked his

Southam...Daggers key man

significance to the Notts side. If it had not been for him, it could have been many more. But, against a less expressive Daggers outfit, his presence could be enough to secure a clean sheet. Leader from the back.

Daggers: Glen Southam

The 27-year-old is fast becoming a fans favourite for the Daggers. In his central midfield role, it is somewhat obvious he will play a key part. The box-to-box midfielder has the enrgy to dominate and could cause Notts some problems when bursting into the box late. His energy and wide range of passing keep Dagenham ticking.

Big Battle

Jason Lee v Anwar Uddin

We all know that Notts are at their most dangerous when playing from back to front up to target man Lee.

Lee's aerial ability makes him tricky to mark and if he isn't stopped , he has the quality to cause problems, bringing players around him in to play.

And, centre-back Anwar Unwar, all 6 foot 3 of him will have to be at his very best keep him quiet.

The former West Ham tarinee must be strong. If he can stop Lee dominating when leaidng the line, the Daggers may get a result.

But, if he is allowed space and not matched for strength it could become a long afternoon for the visitors.

Smith...to hold down place

When Lee plays well so do Notts.

Likely line-ups

Notts: (4-4-2) Pilkington, Canoville, Tann, Hunt, McCann, Mayo, MacKenzie, Butcher, Smith, Lee, Dudfield

Daggers: (4-4-2) Roberts, Foester, Uddin, Okuonghae, Griffiths, Saunders, Rainford, Southam, Sloma, Benson, Moore

NCM's Prediction

It's all smiles for the Notts faithful.

Notts 2-0 Daggers