Notts V Walsall BIG match preview

Unthinkable. Truly unthinkable that Notts would be in contention to reach League One football next season, it was, three weeks ago.

Then, with just one win in ten and in the lower half of the table, Notts were looking a mid-table certainty. Now? The race is on. Four consecutive wins, including four successive clean sheets, has them just three points from a possible playoff berth.

Must win? Absolutely.

Team News

Pipe... back hoping to get Notts reaching high

Notts - No fresh injury concerns for Steve Thompson who looks set to have David Pipe back in his squad. The full back missed the Wrexham win with a niggly injury, but should prove his fitness in time to figure. Jason Lee is also fully fit after he could only appear from the bench.

Walsall - On loan Cardiff City man Kevin Cooper could start after being rested over the Easter period, whilst young gun Troy Deeney is pushing for a place after impressing as a substitute. Ian Roper, Scott Dann, Per Cederqvist and Geordie Lyall are definitely missing.

Form Guide

Notts - As previously mentioned, Notts have won each of their last four games without conceding a goal. Taking the last six into account, Notts can add a draw and a loss into the equation meaning thirteen points from the last eighteen on offer. At Meadow Lane, the Magpies are unbeaten in four, winning and drawing two each.

Walsall - Sitting in second place, the Saddlers are unbeaten in eight, winning their last three. If they better or even match MK Dons' result at Darlington, the Saddlers definitely promoted. On their travels Walsall are unbeaten in four, drawing three and winning one.

What the managers have to say

Notts boss Steve Thompson: "Walsall are a good side and have had a good points cushion all season. They have not conceded many and are as solid as a rock and it has been a good base for them. I like them and I think Richard Money has done a great job." (Official Site)

Thompson... Fans back on his side at the moment

Walsall boss Richard Money: "Notts County are on a terrific run and once again we face a side that are in form. We are not up yet and as such will be going there for a win to achieve our first objective, which is promotion." (Walsall Official Site)

Probable line-ups

Notts: (4-3-3) Kevin Pilkington, David Pipe, Mike Edwards, Stephen Hunt, Austin McCann, Gary Silk, Jay Smith, Ian Ross, James Walker, Jason Lee, Lawrie Dudfield

Walsall: (4-4-2) Clayton Ince, Chris Westwood, Anthony Gerrard, Emmanuelle Smith, Daniel Fox, Mark Wright, Kevin Cooper, Dean Keates, Kevin Harper, Martin Butler, Trevor Benjamin.

Key Players

Notts - Jason Lee will be hugely important given the brilliant season the Walsall rearguard have had. Lee, with sixteen goals to his name, should return to start this key game and will need to use all of his experience. With Notts sure to play a direct game, Lee will need to hold the ball up and use his

Gerrard... A rock, just like his Captain

head - in more ways than one - to dominate the frontline and bring the likes of Dudfield, Walker, Weston and Parkinson into play. Set plays could be vital on what is likely to be a tense day and Lee has had lots of joy in that area so far this season.

Walsall - Anthony Gerrard should mark Lee, and it is a battle that may go along way to deciding the outcome of the game. Gerrard, cousin of Liverpool Captain Steven, has been a rock all season in a Saddlers defence that has conceded just 31 goals all season - the best record in the league. Tall, imposing and good on the ball, Gerrard will look to take Lee out of the game in his own no-nonsense style.

Danger Men

Notts - Jay Smith has showed he can pop up with a vital Meadow Lane goal on the big occasions. He did this in a crucial win over Lincoln, a vital home draw with MK Dons and to seal the Grimsby victory two weeks ago. He has also laid on key passes for winners recently, particularly so as he sent James Walker through to cross for the winner at Wrexham but also when he sent Andy

Keates... Three goals in three games

Parkinson through to lay Jason Lee in for the opener against Boston. His box-to-box mentality will be important and he will need to pull the strings and test Clayton Ince in the Walsall goal.

Walsall - Dean Keates has bagged a brilliant twelve times from midfield this season and the diminutive playmaker always looks likely to add more. Without a prolific front man, Walsall have relied on a sturdy defence and Keates' brilliance from midfield. Scored a cracker when the sides last met and will need to be got hold of to stop him creating more danger with his intelligence, good feet and stunning shooting.

Drapes' Prediction: Two good defensive sides will concede one apiece with Lee opening and Martin Butler replying late one.

Moss' Prediction: 1-0 Notts. It doesn't matter who scores.