Preview: Wrexham vs. Notts County - prediction, team news, lineups

The hosts are second in the table, having slipped up in their trip to Halifax Town on Good Friday, with the visitors now top of the league, although they have played one extra game.

Match preview

Wrexham have been going toe-to-toe with Notts County for the vast majority of the campaign, with both teams now sitting on 100 points, 25 points clear of third-placed Woking.

However, given that only one team is automatically promoted from the fifth tier, it is still all to play for, as anything can happen in the playoffs, and the Red Dragons will need to respond after a poor showing at the weekend.

Phil Parkinson's side got off to the perfect start away at Halifax, with Elliott Lee scoring just after the half-an-hour mark, however they threw their lead away in the second half, courtesy of a brace from Millenic Alli, and a late goal from Emmanuel Dieseruvwe.

It was a rare bad day at the office for Wrexham, as they had been on a remarkable 28-game unbeaten run in the league heading into the match, last losing against Monday's opponents, Notts County, way back at the beginning of October.

The Red Dragons have the best home record in the league, having only dropped two points at the Racecourse Ground all season, and now, more than ever, they need to perform, given how close it is at the top end of the table.

In truth, it seems unfair that one of Wrexham and Notts County may not be promoted this season, as the latter have also been incredible throughout the campaign, matching the Welsh side's goal tally of 106, while they also have the best defensive record in the division.

Not only that, but the Magpies have been impeccable on their travels, picking up 48 points from 21 games, last being defeated away at Dorking Wanderers way back in September.

Luke Williams' side went on a 25-game league unbeaten run earlier in the campaign, before it was brought to a halt by Dagenham & Redbridge at the end of February, losing 2-1 at Meadow Lane, however they have since managed to bounce back.

In their last seven league matches, Notts County have won five and drawn two, and they have not conceded a goal in their last three outings, most recently defeating Wealdstone 3-0 at home.

Macaulay Langstaff was once again on the scoresheet, with the striker breaking the National League goal record by netting his 41st of the season, seven more than Wrexham forward Paul Mullin, despite the fact he does not take penalties.

Wrexham National League form:

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Notts County National League form:

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Team News

Rob Lainton is unlikely to return before the end of the season, having sustained knee ligament damage, so Ben Foster is set to start between the sticks for Wrexham, having played the previous three matches.

There are no fresh injury concerns for the Red Dragons, but Parkinson may choose to make a few changes, after the disappointing result on Friday, and Jordan Davies could come into the midfield, replacing James Jones.

Striker Ollie Palmer has been out of the team in recent weeks, however he could also return to the starting lineup, with Sam Dalby failing to score in his last two matches.

Notts County manager Williams seemingly has no reason to tinker with a winning formula, however forward Cedwyn Scott is back available for selection, having missed nine games with injury before returning as a substitute against Wealdstone on Friday.

Fresh off the back of his record-breaking last match, Langstaff will undoubtedly lead the line again for the Magpies, being supported by Adam Chicksen and Aaron Nemane from either wing.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Foster; Tunnicliffe, Tozer, O'Connell, Mendy; Davies, Cannon, Barnett, Lee; Palmer, Mullin

Notts County possible starting lineup:

Mair; Chicksen, Cameron, Brindley, Baldwin; Austin, Bostock, Nemane, Palmer, Jones; Longstaff

We say: Wrexham 1-1 Notts County

Given the importance of the match, it would not be a surprise to see a cagey affair, as both sides, but particularly Notts County, cannot afford to lose.

Wrexham have been sensational at home all season, but they are yet to come up against a team as good as the Magpies, who have not lost a league away game since September, and the most likely result is a draw.

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