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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Predicted Notts County line-up as selection headache presented to Luke Williams

With so many changes made before their trip to Eastleigh, many would not have predicted the performance that followed.

Luke Williams made four alterations to the side that drew 2-2 away to Southend, with questions of fatigue answered by the Magpies boss at a ground they had previously never won at in the National League.

Questions have been asked about the strength in depth within this current Notts side, but those critics were certainly answered with a first win at the Silverlake Stadium at the fourth time of asking.

READ MORE: Kyle Cameron reveals dressing room message he will deliver ahead of Yeovil fixture

The draw at Roots Hall was closely examined by the Notts boss and shortly after the game, explained the outcome of the fixture was down to some of his players underperforming to the level they have set in the opening 19 games of the season.

And those players recalled into the starting line-up certainly did their chances of a start this weekend no harm, in what is set to be a fantastic atmosphere at Meadow Lane, with 16,000 expected to watch the National League fixture.

I expect just two changes from the side that won away against the Spitfires, one coming in defence and one in midfield.

Aden Baldwin's performance against Southend proved why he is one of the best defenders in division, showcasing composure, speed, and aerial dominance after returning from injury.

The reasoning for his absence against Eastleigh last Saturday was confirmed by Williams, explaining that the decision was made to ease the 25-year-old back into the first-team fold after six weeks on the side-lines.

Whilst Connell Rawlinson performed admirably at the heart of the Notts defence, I expect Baldwin to return in the middle of the back three alongside Kyle Cameron and Richard Brindley.

Since his arrival from Kidderminster Harriers, Geraldo Bajrami has been nothing short of sensational since putting on a Notts shirt, however his performances in recent weeks have cause for concern.

On occasions during both matches, the Albanian showed glimpses of complacency and perhaps an element of fatigue that Williams alluded to, which ultimately resulted in being given a rest in Hampshire.

Whilst Ed Francis did nothing wrong on his first start for the Magpies since the second game of the season, the midfield lacked that bite and intensity in winning possession in midfield, something Bajrami provides in abundance.

A much tougher call to make could be between Tobi Adebayo-Rowling and Aaron Nemane at right-wing back, and Sam Austin and Cedwyn Scott in attack.

It is hard to see how Adebayo-Rowling and Austin can be dropped following their performances against Eastleigh, but I believe these changes could swing either way with neither weakening the side Williams decides to put out.

And there could also be a welcome return for midfielder, Jim O'Brien. After missing the last seven matches following an injury picked up against Wrexham, Williams confirmed that the 35-year-old 'is ready' to return to the matchday squad. Whether that is tomorrow, we are yet to see.

Here is how we predict Notts will line-up tomorrow afternoon:

Notts starting XI: Slocombe; Cameron, Baldwin, Brindley, Chicksen, Adebayo-Rowling; Palmer, Bajrami; Rodrigues, Austin, Langstaff.

SUBS: Rawlinson, Nemane, Francis, Scott, Mitchell.

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