After what feels like forever, Notts County return to National League action this weekend.
The Magpies have been without a game since their record-breaking fixture against Yeovil two weeks ago, with 16,511 in attendance at Meadow Lane to watch their goalless draw with Mark Cooper's side.
The 'break' offered Luke Williams the chance to get a closer look at his players and work on some key fundamentals following that frustrating draw with the Glovers, while being able to monitor the fitness of some his players as they near a return to action.
READ MORE: Luke Williams identifies 'smart' Notts County preparations ahead of Scunthorpe fixture
One of those players who will have benefitted from the break is midfielder Jim O'Brien.
Williams confirmed the 35-year-old was fit and ready before their encounter with Yeovil but was not listed in the matchday squad, not looking to rush the midfielder back into the action after a lengthy period on the side-lines.
However, the Notts boss confirmed the rumours surrounding Connell Rawlinson which surfaced on social media early last week were true, explaining that he suffered an injury in training which the extent of the injury yet to be discovered.
With that being said, I believe O'Brien will return to the squad to provide that experience in midfield and in the squad. As we have seen earlier on in the season, should any of the defenders suffer an injury, Geraldo Bajrami is more than capable of slotting into that back three.
Sam Austin has been excellent on his return to the side, starting back-to-back games for the first time in his Magpies career, keeping the in-form Bajrami out of the side after two below par performances against Southend and Bromley.
His importance to the side is imperative and his tireless running and positioning between midfield and attack has been brilliant to watch. It is hard to see how Williams can drop him following his previous performances.
All the talk this week has been surrounding Macaulay Langstaff, with reports suggesting four Championship clubs are interested in the Notts number nine.
But I have no doubts the 25-year-old will be blocking out the noise and fully focused on adding to his 18-goal haul already this season, as he closes down on Kyle Wootton and Ruben Rodrigues' totals from last season, just four months into the season.
This weekend will offer a slightly different challenge, with the Iron confirming Tony Daws had stepped down from his role as first-team coach, while also moving one step closer to a takeover after a turbulent couple of years at Glanford Park.
The news will no doubt be music to the ears of many Scunthorpe fans, and that could result in a heightened atmosphere come 3pm, adding another challenging aspect the Magpies will have to deal with when kick-off approaches.
Notts predicted line-up: Slocombe; Cameron, Baldwin, Brindley, Chicksen, Adebayo-Rowling; Palmer, Austin; Rodrigues, Scott, Langstaff.
SUBS: Nemane, Bajrami, O'Brien, Castro, Mitchell.
READ NEXT:
- Notts County's Macaulay Langstaff linked with four clubs amid £1m transfer claim
- Sam Slocombe praises 'fantastic' Brad Young during Notts County loan spell
- Luke Williams addresses John Bostock rumours and provides Connell Rawlinson injury update
- Scunthorpe United interim boss steps down ahead of Notts County visit
