Notts Countyvs.MK Dons

At a time when the sixth-placed home side sit just six points adrift of the leaders in the table, the visitors to Meadow Lane are down in 17th position.

Match preview

Having prevailed from just three of their last 10 matches in the fourth tier, Notts County do not necessarily deserve to still be in title and promotion contention.

However, the form of the teams around them has ensured that they remain very much in the hunt for both, the 2-0 victory at Newport County a timely result when three of the clubs above them dropped points.

A top-three finish will be the aim and Stuart Maynard's side are just two points adrift of Port Vale, who currently hold that position, but Notts County will not rule out chasing down Walsall and Bradford City.

Maynard will be most satisfied with three clean sheets being kept in their most recent four outings, two of which have come away from Meadow Lane.

That said, there will be concern over their home at their East Midlands base, failing to win in their last three and losing to each of Barrow and Chesterfield.

As far as MK Dons are concerned, they will be happy when the season has come to a close after failing to mount a promotion charge, instead finding themselves in the bottom half of the table.

The 29-match reign of Scott Lindsay recently came to an end, MK Dons winning just nine times during that period, and Ben Gladwin now has the reins on an interim basis.

In his six matches in charge, Gladwin has delivered seven points from six games, the wins in question coming against Morecambe and Cheltenham Town.

On the flip side, 12 goals have been conceded during that period, including a comprehensive 3-0 reverse at Port Vale and a 4-2 defeat versus Fleetwood Town at the weekend when they shipped each strike across a 26-minute period.

Sitting 13 points clear of the relegation zone, there is no concern over dropping down to the National League, but Gladwin and his squad will be determined to end the campaign on a high.

Notts County League Two form:

L

L

W

L

D

W

MK Dons League Two form:

L

W

L

W

D

L

Team News

Barring any fitness issues, Maynard may be prepared to select the same Notts County side that emerged victorious in Wales, a 2-0 lead being established before any substitutions were made.

Charlie Whitaker scored twice from a less-than-familiar role on the left flank, while veteran forward David McGoldrick provided an assist for one of his goals before being rested for the closing stages. Alassana Jatta could complete the front three.

Scott Hogan's sensational goal as a substitute against Fleetwood may be enough to earn a return to the MK Dons attack if Gladwin wishes to partner him with Danilo Orsi.

Liam Kelly could be the player to drop out of the engine room to accommodate him, and Tommi O'Reilly may finally be handed his first start since joining from Aston Villa on loan, the 21-year-old midfielder currently up to 11 substitute outings.

Having been on international duty, Jay Williams will be considered for a return in the back three or midfield.

Notts County possible starting lineup:

Slocombe; Macari, Platt, Bedeau; Tsaroulla, Abbott, Palmer, Jarvis; Jatta, McGoldrick, Whitaker

MK Dons possible starting lineup:

Trueman; Williams, Sanders, Maguire; Nemane, Crowley, Lemonheigh-Evans, Tomlinson; Gilbey; Orsi, Hogan

We say: Notts County 2-0 MK Dons

Having conceded four times at home to Fleetwood at the weekend, MK Dons will not necessarily be feeling confident about this assignment. With Notts County back to winning ways last time out, we are predicting that they will come through with a solid performance and win here.

Written by

Darren Plant

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