It is unsure as to what the rest of the season holds for Notts County and Bristol Rovers. The last meeting between the sides - a 2-1 win for Rovers at Meadow Lane in October - came at a time where both were realistic Playoff challenges, and both remained that until recent poor form has seen the top seven move increasingly further away.
There is enough points left to play for, but it is highly unlikely that either will register anywhere near the main Playoff chasers. Three new signings over the past two days has seen a surge in expectancy at Notts once again, as Manager Steve Thompson urges his squad to keep the season alive. A win tomorrow will further some expectation as the typically fickle Magpies following may once again believe, but beating a Rovers outfit just two points behind Notts and with two games in hand to boot.
|
Notts County
All three of Notts' new boys have received clearing to play. That means Charlton Athletic loanees Myles Weston and James Walker, and Hull's Michael Byron will all make the squad and should figure at some stage. With Junior Mendes moving to Lincoln, there will be at least one change to the starting line-up from that which began the 0-0 draw with Mansfield Town. With no injuries, the only regular missing is top goalscorer Jason Lee, who sits out the final game of his three match ban.
Bristol Rovers
Stuart Campbell is suspended, whilst Manager Paul Trollope is also sweating on the fitness of three key players. Journeyman midfielder Sammy Igoe, excellent at Meadow Lane in October, faces a late fitness test on his injured toe, whilst goalkeeper Steve Phillips (groin) and midfielder Chris Lines (knee) are struggling.
Form Guide
Notts County
Just one win in nine for the Magpies has saw them fall into the bottom half of League 2 recently. In 23 games, Notts fans have only celebrated three wins, and goals have also been hard to come by in recent weeks, just three in five games, two of them coming in the recent draw with MK Dons. On the road, Notts have a fair record, six wins, six draws and six defeats in 18 league games. However, they have failed to win on their travels since beating Accrington Stanley 2-1 mid-January.
Bristol Rovers
Just one win in eight for the Pirates, who sit three places behind Notts in sixteenth place. Trollope has been quoted this week saying his squad are playing for their futures, meaning a turn in form is required. Their Cup exploits… they have reached the LDV Vans Trophy Final and also made it to the FA Cup 4th Round… has been something of a distraction as their Playoff chances fade. At the Memorial Stadium, the Pirates have played seventeen, winning an impressive nine, and both drawing and losing four.
Indeed, in the current form table, Notts are 22nd, Rovers 21st, only Accrington and Bury are lower.
Likely Line-ups
|
Notts County
Saul Deeney, David Pipe, Alan White, Stephen Hunt, Austin McCann, Andy Parkinson, Mike Edwards, Jay Smith, Myles Weston, James Walker, Lawrie Dudfield
Subs: Kevin Pilkington, Michael Byron, Gary Silk, Ian Ross, Tcham N'Toya
Missing out: Jake Sheridan, Matt Somner, Dan Martin, Stef Frost
Bristol Rovers
Phillips, Lescott, Oji, Elliot, Carruthers, Igoe, Haldane, Disley, Jacobson, Lambert, Walker
Key Men
Notts County
Stephen Hunt is easily Notts' Player of 2007, faultless in all his performances. Again he was 'Man of the Match' as he overcame the threat of Simon Brown against Mansfield last week. His physical abilities will be vital against two of the biggest strikers in League 2 on Saturday - Richard Walker and Rickie Lambert. Both possess great aerial ability and neither shirk a challenge. Hunt's pace will deal with balls on the floor, but he needs to be at his best in the air.
Bristol Rovers
|
Danger Men
Notts County
Jay Smith has been given a license to roam now Mike Edwards has taken a position in the heart of the midfield, and that is when he excels. Excellent box-to-box player, his ability to release pacey wide man and new boy Miles Weston will be key, and if he gets a chance on the edge of the box, it usually results in just one thing.
Bristol Rovers
Lewis Haldane
A player who when he's good, he's very good, and when he's not he can disappear. A great goal against Notts at Meadow Lane saw a powerful run and clever finish allow the Pirates three points. Currently in and out the side, if he does reach top form he will be hot to handle, bringing players into the game well, and he is very good in the air. Has six goals to his name, but has been a substitute in recent weeks, though he did score a late consolation at Boston last time out.
|
Drapes' Prediction: It is about time we won, and the new boys should give fresh belief. Lawrie Dudfield is due a goal, and James Walker will get on the score sheet at his former stomping ground with a delightful debut strike. Notts to win 2-1.
Moss' Prediction: Notts don't look like creating enough chances at the moment. The likely story is one of the big front men will bag, namely Walker, Lambert or Haldane. Rovers to win 1-0.