Notts v Grimsby... BIG match preview

Notts have signed a striker! It has happened, just as NCM said it would. Patience is a virtue, and it needs to be again to give new boy Ryan Jarvis the chance to showcase his talents and find his feet.

Meadow Lane... Bigger expectancy

It might happen straight away or it might not. But the need to err on the side of caution with regards the Norwich City loanee is plain to see.

It may have been a whole new front two had Andy Cooke not gone back on a deal to sign at Meadow Lane despite having passed a medical.

But Jarvis will do to begin with.

He should go straight

Bolland... Doubt to face former club

into the side against a massively improved Grimsby Town outfit as Notts bid to make it four games unbeaten. A draw however won't be good enough.

Team news

Notts - A clean bill of health for the first time since he took over for Ian McParland. Playmaker Neil MacKenzie is back in contention after three games out and Jarvis goes straight into the squad. Felix Bastians could play his final game for the club with his loan set to expire afterwards.

Grimsby - Former Magpie Paul Bolland is a big doubt for Town having missed their midweek win over Bury. Tom Newey is another doubt but Ciaran Toner is back from a hamstring knock to play at Meadow Lane for the first time since he went back on signing for Notts. Martin Butler is definitely out.

Form guide

Notts - Three games unbeaten for the Magpies with five points from a possible nine eamed. That followed six games without a win. Notts are 18th in League Two, six points above the drop zone.

Grimsby - The Mariners have embarked on a run of eight games without a defeat to lift themselves into 12th position - ten points above Notts. Town haven't lost since Boxing Day and have won eight of their last 12 including surging to the area final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

Last time out

Grimsby Town 1-1 Notts County (Saturday, August 11, 2007)

The sides met in a much anticipated opening day of the season as Steve

MacKenzie... Stunner drew Notts level

Thompson's new look Notts travelled to Blundell Park in expectation of the start of a play-off push.

The game was never a cracker, but it whet the appetite for the season with two sides looking to express themselves.

The hosts took the lead early on with poor Notts defending from a set piece as Toner's free-kick was headed beyond Kevin Pilkington by Ryan Bennett after just 12 minutes.

But Notts responded in the right way as debutant Neil MacKenzie fired home after 29 minutes with a cracker after a quick counter-attack involving Paul Mayo and Lawrie Dudfield.

The second half saw both sides have chances to take all three points as Richard Butcher went closest for Notts and Danny North for Grimsby in the final minute.

Key men

Notts - Mike Edwards has been an instant hit on his return and it truly is like last seasons' supporters' player of the year has never been away.

His consistency is still there, and he was a match saver on Tuesday night at Brentford with two goal saving clearances.

Edwards was sorely missed, but it is now he is back that you realise just how

Clarke... Danger outside the box

much his calming influence was missed.

Against Town he will be marking the talented Danny North and his pace and sharpness around the box will need to be watched.

Edwards' ability to snuff out threats and read the game well will come into action, and is key to a clean sheet which if Notts get will give them a great chance of a much needed win.

Grimsby - Jamie Clarke wasn't used too much at the start of the season but since Alan Buckley changed to a 5-3-2 formation and put Clarke into midfield Town have gone on a run and he has been a huge part of it.

The versatile man was part of the Boston United side relegated last season, but he is performing much better now and could make a difference at Meadow Lane.

He scored his sides winner with a superb finish from 25 yards out and generally looks a threat with his passing range and shooting skills.

He must be watched.

Big battle

Ryan Jarvis will be thrust straight into the limelight with all sorts of unfair pressures on his shoulders as Notts look for a new striking hero.

His battle with any of Town's three stong defence will be very interesting.

If he goes toe-to-toe with former Magpie Nick Fenton then his sharpness and ability to beat the defender will be difficult for the physical Fenton to deal with.

But Fenton's experience and willingness to do well on his old stomping ground will be crucial in this battle.

Whoever the pressure gets to first - Jarvis because of his home debut and Fenton due to his return - could give the opposition the edge.

That edge may decide the game.

Possible line-ups

Notts (4-4-2) - Kevin Pilkington; Lee Canoville, Mike Edwards, Adam Tann, Stephen Hunt; Ali Gibb, Gavin Strachan, Gary Silk, Felix Bastians; Ryan Jarvis, Jason Lee.

Grimsby (5-3-2) - Phil Barnes; Rob Atkinson, Sam Hird, Nick Fenton; Nick Hegarty, Tom Newey; Danny Boshell, James Hunt, Jamie Clarke; Gary Jones, Danny North.

Prediction

I'm feeling confident and I think the players are too. Town are dangerous and in good form but don't score many. With Edwards back and Pilkington in imperious form a clean sheet and Notts will win 2-0.