|
A lack of fire power at home has been well documented as a factor towards a campaign which has seen Notts struggle.
But into the Easter weekend, earmarked as a pivotal period in the league calendar, it is time for guts and it is time to deliver.
Excuses are cheap while reuslts could prove invaluable in County's fight against the drop.
Meadow Lane has hardly produced the most entertaining of games over the course of season so far, but with games remaining now into single figures, I am sure this is at the very back of most Notts fans' minds.
Results are all that matter.
It is time for men, it is time winners, it is time leaders, it is time for warriors.
Team News
Notts - Danny Crow is set to return to the County side after missing last
|
Stephen Hunt's part in the match has been thrown into doubt afte rpicking up a groin strain. Myles Weston and Gavin Strachan remain out.
Rochdale - No changes in availablity for Dale boss Keith Hill. Custodian Sam Russell has been ruled out for the season leaving James Spencer to continue his run in the side. In attack, Chris Dagnall and Kallum Higginbotham are still missing.
Form Guide
Notts - The Magpies have now gone three games without scoring and are without a win in the last five outings.
County have won just three league home games under the management of Ian McParland, a concerning run which sees Notts a worrying three points ahead of trouble with only nine games left to play.
Ten sides have taken maximum points from Meadow Lane already this term and with just two wins in the last 18, the Magpies are in a bit of a rut.
Rochdale - Dale have picked up a staggering 38 points on their travels so far this season.
They have suffered just three defeats away from Spotland throughout the whole campaign as well as notching up an impressive 11 wins.
In recent weeks, Rochdale have stuttered winning three and losing six of their last nine.
But just a point adrift of the play-off places and with a trio of games in hand, Dale are still in the driving seat.
Last Time Out
Notts County 1-2 Rochdale, Saturday February 17, 2007
|
Rochdale left it late to come from behind to snatch a well deserved win at Meadow Lane last season.
Jason Lee headed the Magpies in front eight minutes after the break which looked as if it would extend County's unbeaten home run to four games.
But there was a sting in tail.
Glenn Murray levelled up ten minutes from time before a calamity from keeper Kevin Pilkington allowed Ben Muirhead to bundle in the winner.
The dramatic loss saw County slip to eight points from the play-off places while Dale continued to climb the league ladder moving into 19th spot.
Key Men
|
The 32-year-old wide man has experience on his side and is deadly from dead ball situations.
An impressive debut at London Road last week gives huge hopes of a fruitlful spell ahead.
His intelligence and vision could be what the Magpies need to start finding the back of the net on a regular basis. In the absence of young gun Myles Weston, McParland looks to have added wisely to the squad.
Rochdale - Adam Le Fondre is the man to watch out for at the moment for
|
His hat-trick inspired Dale to a 4-1 demoliltion of Accrington Stanley last time out at Spotland.
Top scorer Le Fondre has proved a tidy signing from Stockport County already this season and although his form has been patchy, he is a real threat on his day.
His energy and movement make him a tricky customer. Notts may wish to man mark him rather than letting him dangerously roam the zones.
Big Battle
The owness will be on Notts as the home side and in more need of the points
|
Without a goal in 288 minutes of League Tow football, County's intentions should be straight forward - they must start scoring goals if they are to survive from relegation.
Naturally, Danny Crow, as the clubs best finisher will be looked upon to deliver if a chance falls his way. The 22-year-old has been out of action for a fortnight now and should raring to go.
With the Posh loanee renowned for being a poacher,
|
Rochdale boast one of the finest defenders in the division in youngster Rory McArdle.
The talented centre-back has been the backbone of the Dale side already this season with many people tipping him to reach the very top of the game.
He will have to be in fine form to keep an eager Crow at bay while the Notts striker will have to use his brains to come out on top against McArdle's excellent reading of the game.
The long ball just won't do for County. An intricate move will be the only way against this fine header of the ball.
Possible line-ups
Notts (4-4-2) - Rusell Hoult; Adam Tann, Mike Edwards, Michael Johnson, Paul Mayo; Richard Butcher, Jay Smith, Gary Silk, Wayne Corden; Danny Crow, Ryan Jarvis.
Rochdale (4-4-2) - James Spencer; Simon Ramsden, Rory McArdle, Nathan Stanton, Tom Kennedy; Chris Basham, Adam Rundle, Gary Jones, David Perkins; Adam Le Fondre, Rene Howe.
Prediction
Rochdale's superb away record should certainly not be under-estimated. There is a sense of expectancy on Notts this weekend while Dale's play-off bid was rejuvinated against Accrington last week.
1-0 Dale