In its inaugral year after replacing the Gay Meadow, the Shrews have
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Notts are another who haven't met expectations, and instead tomorrow's game is all about three points for very different reasons.
Notts will be buoyed by Saturday's hard earned 1-0 win over Rochdale, while the Shrews are still getting to grips with
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Plenty to play for then, game on.
Team news
Notts - Notts' big worries lie in recent centre-back pairing Michael Johnson and Mike Edwards who both hobbled off in Saturday's win. Johnson is the major doubt, while Edwards has a fair chance of making it as does another centre-half, Stephen Hunt. Gavin Strachan, Myles Weston and Kevin Pilkington are out.
Shrewsbury - Colin Murdock and David Hunt miss out for the hosts.
Form guide
Notts - Starting to make much more pleasant reading for the Magpies who have lost just once in this massive March month. Notts are unbeaten in two, whilst away from home it is no defeats in six, including five draws and one win. Notts are now six points above the drop zone sitting in 20th place.
Shrewsbury - A run of eleven games without a win, most under Gary Peters who paid the price with the loss of his job, means the side inherited recently by Simpson isn't yet out of the relegation battle. It is unlikely they will slip in but just one win in sixteen has fans worried. Town are inconsistent at home with eight wins, four draws and seven defeats, and they are 17th in League Two, four points above Notts.
Last time out
Notts County 2-1 Shrewsbury Town, Saturday December 8, 2007
Incredibly, this was the last time Notts managed more than one goal in a
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They had to come from behind after Dave Hibbert's 41st minute penalty, but it was a deserved and much needed three points for McParland's charges.
The first half was scrappy in the rain with Ben Davies going close for the visitors before Michael Symes missed a gilt-edged opportunity.
Pearce had a header cleared off the line before Adam Tann was penalised for a trip on Symes that gave Hibbert his penalty opener.
In the second half, Notts were better in possession but rarely threatened until Pearce hammered home at the second attempt from a Richard Butcher corner.
Then MacKenzie hit a trademark free-kick to ensure the points stayed at Meadow Lane after four straight defeats including the FA Cup exit to minnows Havant & Waterlooville.
Key men
Notts - With the influential Johnson a doubt, it is another recent experienced
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Russell Hoult has been blameless since arriving on loan from Stoke City as cover for the injured Pilkington, and he needs to continue his assured manner to lead the Magpies to another victory.
The Shrews will be expected to throw everything at him to end their barren run, and Hoult needs to stand tall and remain in peak form.
With Notts unable to score more than once in a game, a clean sheet is vital.
Shrewsbury - The one player in the Shrews ranks who can do something out of nothing is the mercurial Ben Davies.
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The midfielder was superb in their rise to the play-offs last campaign but hasn't hit those heights after a lengthy lay off through injury.
But he is still a match winner and Notts have to watch him with his clever footwork and excellent set-pieces.
If he is allowed time and space he can change the game in the hosts favour and make it an uncomfortable afternoon for Notts.
Big battle
Andy Cooke angered many at County when he did a dramatic u-turn
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Citing that it didn't feel right, the travelling Notts fans will no doubt have an eye on him, as will whoever Notts have at centre-back. The smart money suggests that Johnson will be saved for the crucial derby with Mansfield on Saturday, but Mike Edwards will likely start.
Edwards will find it tough against the bruising Cooke who
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If Cooke is fed aerial balls and allowed to use his strength against Edwards it will be a fine asset for Simpson's men, meaning Edwards has to be on his game.
Possible line-ups
Notts (4-4-2) - Russell Hoult; Lee Canoville, Adam Tann, Mike Edwards, Paul Mayo; Richard Butcher, Jay Smith, Gary Silk, Wayne Corden; Danny Crow, Ryan Jarvis.
Shrewsbury (5-3-1-1) - Glyn Garner; Ben Herd; Graeme Lee, Kelvin Langmead, Marc Tierney, Marc Pugh; Kevin McIntyre, Asa Hall, Steven Leslie;Ben Davies, Andy Cooke.
Prediction
If you are a betting man then it might be wise to go for a draw considering neither side have a habit of winning games. That is certainly the way I see it, with Notts to score first but be pegged back late on.
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