Every week in the preview NCM place the importance of the forthcoming game in terms of the season as a whole. This week we can only look at it in terms of Notts players and staff performing for their futures. With no chance of the Playoff's and a relegation battle fortunately not set to occur, Notts are in a mid-table rut with only contracts and next season to look to play for.
Given the shocking run of form Notts boss Steve Thompson is facing calls for his head from a large amount of fans, meaning he needs a win to keep them off his back - for now at least.
With Alan White, Junior Mendes and Dan Gleeson all leaving the club on loan over the past ten days, and three new signings, Thompson has put a marker down saying no one is safe and that every one is playing for next season.
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Notts County
The big news and major boost for Notts fans is the return of leading goalscorer Jason Lee after he missed three games courtesy of suspension.
White's departure to Peterborough gives Michael Byron an oppurtunity to make his Professional debut in defence, whilst fellow new boys James Walker and Miles Weston should start. There are no injuries.
Bury
Bury will hand a debut to new boy William Mocquet who arrived from Sunderland on Thursday. Mocquet won't line up alongside Chris Brass or Brian Barry-Murphy as both remain sidelined through injury.
Form Guide
Notts County
Both sides sit as the two worst sides in terms of form. Notts are without a win in seven and have picked up three points on just one occasion in the last ten games. Thompson's men have amassed a poor seven points from a possible thirty during that time and haven't won away since defeating Accrington Stanley mid-January. Notts are currently 15th.
Bury
The only side worse off in terms of form in League 2 than Notts, the Shakers are without a win in 2007 and the winless run stretched even further back, the last time they picked up three points being on the 16th December as they beat Stockport 2-0. At Gigg Lane Bury have just four wins in nineteen games. They sit in nineteenth place.
What the managers say
Notts boss Steve Thompson:
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(Official Site) "When you look at the last few away games we have suffered from mistakes at the back, missed chances and poor conditions. We have to finish this season on a high. Bury is a tough place to go to, and we know going there they are going to be up for it because they are fighting for their lives near the bottom."
Bury gaffer Chris Casper:
(Bury Official Site) "There is pressure on Saturday's game for both sides and there will be an edge to it. (Jason Lee's) a good player and his record speaks for itself. He's had a really good career and we have to make sure we handle him as best as possible. It will be nice to see Glynn Hurst grab a hat-trick, when he came here last year he had gone nine games without scoring and he popped up with a hat-trick for Notts."
Possible Line-ups
Notts
Saul Deeney, David Pipe, Mike Edwards, Stephen Hunt, Austin McCann, Andy Parkinson, Matt Somner, Jay Smith, Miles Weston, Lawrie Dudfield, Jason Lee
Bury
Andy Warrington, Paul Scott, David Challinor, Darren Kempson, Thomas Kennedy, William Mocquet, Richie Baker, Jason Kennedy, David Buchanan, Glynn Hurst, Andy Bishop
Key Players
Notts
Jason Lee
The fact that Notts have failed to score in the three games Lee has missed through suspension highlights the importance of the leading scorer's return. Providing he is match fit, his ability to hold up play, physically dominate and find the back of the net is crucial if Notts are to even challenge for three points.
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Glynn Hurst
Both sides have struggled for goals lately, but all Notts fans are aware that Hurst blows hot and cold. He can go forever without one then when he gets one he gets loads. This means his strike in Bury's 1-1 draw with Macclesfield couldn't have come at a worse time. He will be fired up.
Danger Men
Notts
Miles Weston
If Weston is given the nod to figure for the first time, his unknown quantity may surprise Casper's backline. Said to be blessed with blistering pace, Weston may provide the Magpies with more balance than usual left-winger Andy Parkinson. Should he live up to his potential tomorrow, providing Thompson uses him, he may be key to supplying Lee with his chances.
Bury
Jason Kennedy
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On-loan from Premiership Middlesbrough, Kennedy is an attack minded midfielder who excelled during a mid-season spell with Boston United. He scored in Boston's defeat at Lincoln City, but enjoyed some effective performances, including against Notts at York Street and is highly rated in League 2. Unlikely to make the grade at the Riverside, the 6ft 1inch mans box-to-box qualities are being looked at by Casper with a view to a permanent move.
Drapes' Prediction: Notts to take the lead but surrender it on two occasions in a goalscoring draw. 2-2
Moss' Prediction: Two poor sides in terms of form, means it can go only one way. 1-1