Testing task ahead

Last updated : 15 January 2009 By Dane Vincent

Notts County face a gruelling task this weekend when they take on League Two high-flyers, Brentford.

Andy Scott's team are currently second placed in the table and remain huge contenders for the title.

They have had a hugely successful campaign so far, in which they have lost only three times in the league.










A huge contributor to this success has been their defence - the second best in the division - that has seen them leak just 14 goals.

This will come as a worry to County who have once again struggled to find the net as much as they would have liked.

The Bees have proven to be tough opponents on home soil in particular, with Rochdale being the only team to have walked away with all three points in the bag.

Since that early-November loss Brentford have remained unbeaten - excluding the FA Cup humiliation at the hands of Barrrow.
















Although the Magpies' form fails to match that of Saturday's opponents, they can take heart from their recent record against them.

Notts have not lost to the London-based outfit since 2002, when they were defeated 2-1 on the road through strikes from Paul Evans and Ben Burgess.
Plump play-maker, Darren Caskey had given County the lead, prior to a late comeback.

The latest clash between the teams came at Meadow Lane in front of the Sky television cameras. In an evenly fought game, both sides looked as though they could battle it out at the top end of the table.
















According to the bookies, the home side are clear favourites, with their best odds priced at 4/6. Notts on the other hand can fetch a tempting 5/1. For all prices, click here...

NCM verdict: Brentford have built on their early term form and continued to propel themselves in the direction of League One.

Ian McParland's team - although winning two of their last three - have not managed to build up a consistency needed to mount a realistic challenge in the upper half.

The Bees look likely to claim all three points in this game when observing their impeccable form on home turf.

Prediction: Brentford 2-1 Notts County