Notts County predicted line-up vs Chesterfield as…

Notts County predicted line-up vs Chesterfield as Magpies look to equal club record

With 27 games of the National League been and gone, Saturday's game against Chesterfield is arguably Notts County's toughest of the season so far.

The Magpies have managed 18 league wins, eight draws, and just one defeat - with that coming over four months ago - currently sitting in pole position for promotion back to the football league.

But with Wrexham waiting in the wings and Chesterfield hitting form at just the right time, the fixture at the Technique Stadium could bare some significance in Luke Williams' side's quest for promotion.

Notts' FA Trophy defeat to Maidstone last Sunday summed up their start to the new year, having won just once in their opening four games of 2023 with elements of doubt creeping in about their potential title credentials.

But this is a side that has scored 75 goals in all competitions, holds the best away record in the division, and are within touching distance of equalling their longest unbeaten run in a league campaign dating back to 1930. This team is rewriting the history books and has got Notts fans believing again.

The fixture looks set to be decided by the narrowest of margins, with football fans across the country able to tune in to what is set to be an enthralling encounter between two of the front runners in the fifth tier.

And the outcome of the contest could be determined by the team selected by the Magpies boss, it seems imperative that the right blend of experience and tenacity is put out there to bring three points back to Meadow Lane.

Williams will have some tough decisions to make, particularly in midfield as he seeks to find the right balance to combat the Spireites.

In their most recent league fixture, the Notts boss opted for a pairing of the influential Matty Palmer, along with the experience of John Bostock, with many coming to the conclusion that the pairing did not work in the context of what was needed on the night.

Many were surprised to see Jim O'Brien drop to the bench following his performance away to Aldershot, and leaving him on the bench for the fixture with the Stones could bear some significance to Williams' thinking ahead of the trip to the Technique Stadium.

O'Brien has been a pivotal figure in the Notts midfield this season with his experience and leadership qualities getting the best from those around him. He has to start and if the Magpies are in front on the evening, the introduction of Bostock would be better suited with his composure in midfield and ability to maintain possession when under pressure.

Another player who has performed admirably in recent weeks is Sam Austin. His high press and eye for a killer pass saw him start in three consecutive games before the draw to Boreham Wood, but he has shown the influence he can provide when coming off the bench and that could be important depending on how the game is going.

With Connell Rawlinson expected to return to the matchday squad following his appearance in the FA Trophy last week, this gives Williams the option to push Geraldo Bajrami further forward and into midfield.

The Albanian was instrumental alongside Palmer during Notts' eight-game winning run earlier in the campaign, providing a welcome addition to Williams' midfield options.

Both Macaulay Langstaff and Cedwyn Scott have been nothing short of sensational since arriving from Gateshead in the summer, scoring 35 goals between them in the league this season, with Langstaff netting twice in three minutes during their previous encounter with Paul Cook's side.

Here is who we predict Williams will select for the fixture tomorrow against the Spireites.

Notts County predicted line-up: Slocombe; Cameron, Baldwin, Brindley, Chicksen, Nemane; Palmer, O'Brien; Rodrigues, Scott, Langstaff.

SUBS: Rawlinson, Bajrami, Bostock, Austin, Mitchell.

Notts County predicted line-up vs Chesterfield as Magpies look to equal club record

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