Notts travel to Boston on Saturday, looking to get back to winning ways following last week's home defeat to Bury.
The hosts, with manager Steve Evans having a possible prison sentence hanging over him for tax fraud, are currently without a win in six, and are struggling in the relegation zone.
Notts won 2-1 at York Street last season, Glynn Hurst and Andy White with the goals, whilst the Pilgrims beat Notts, also 2-1, at Meadow Lane.
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Boston are without suspended trio Drewe Broughton, Mark Greaves and Mark Albrighton. Injuries to Lee Canoville, Simon Rusk and Stewart Talbot have further depleted Evans' side.
The big story ahead of the game, other than Evans' impending court case which is due to be decided later today, is the connections between the two sides. Notts boss Steve Thompson, who once played for Boston, as did Director Howard Wilkinson, reported on Boston's games for BBC Radio Lincolnshire last season and spotted several players who he has since bought to Meadow Lane.
Austin McCann, Gary Silk, Alan White, Ian Ross, Lawrie Dudfield and Jason Lee all played for Boston last term, and will be relishing their return to the Staffsmart Stadium.
With a strong visiting contingent expected for the derby clash, it has the makings of a good game. Both sides desperately need the points for a variety of reasons, and there are no doubting the key clashes in tomorrow's game.
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If Evans makes it, then the Scotsman will look forward to his touchline battle with the fiery Thompson. Both men are big characters, who relish battles of a physical nature, and if there teams show half as much of their passion, a battle royal should commence. Thompson has shown he is tactically aware on his travels this season, and he will probably adopt a similar approach to the one that got Notts three points at Grimsby. Evans' mental state will depend on his court case, and that's likely to determine Boston's approach.
McCann v Farrell
Notts left-back McCann has been a revelation this season. His strong displays are sure to carry through to his old stomping ground, but the experienced David Farrell will be a strong test. The Boston wide man, signed from Peterborough in the summer, has long been a Notts nemesis, with his tricky displays so often capped off with goals against the Magpies. If Notts are to triumph, McCann must deal with this obvious threat.
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Jason Lee has had his work cut out with League 2 officials this term. His physical approach has often seen him penalised wrongly, and when booked this has a detriment to Notts' game plan. It wouldn't be a surprise if he popped in a goal against the employees who largely used him as a substitute last year. But Premiership referee Halsey will need to allow the game to flow around the target man for this to happen.
Drapes' Prediction: Notts to win 2-1