Sports Mole previews Saturday’s League Two clash between Notts County and Wrexham, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
After being involved in a gripping title race in the National League last season, Notts County and Wrexham will recommence battle in Saturday’s League Two contest.
The hosts are currently sitting in second position, while the Red Dragons are three points further back in third place.
Match preview
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Despite racking up points last term, Notts County ultimately fell short of Saturday’s opponents, ensuring they had to secure promotion via the National League playoffs.
Following a four-year stint in the fifth tier, the Magpies have enjoyed a seamless return to the Football League, having picked up 30 points from their 15 matches.
In their most recent outing, Notts County cruised to a 3-0 home win over Newport County thanks to Dan Crowley’s opener and a Macaulay Langstaff brace.
Impressively, Luke Williams’s side have now won seven of their eight home league matches, scoring at least two goals in each of those victories.
Notts County, who boast the best home record in the fourth tier, will be confident about their chances of claiming three more points on Saturday after winning their last three home meetings with Wrexham.
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Like their hosts, Wrexham are also targeting back-to-back promotions, having collected 27 points from their 15 matches, leaving them one point clear of fourth-placed Mansfield Town, who have played a game less.
Wrexham have put together a seven-game unbeaten run in all competitions since suffering a heavy 5-0 away defeat to current league leaders Stockport County on September 23.
Phil Parkinson’s side have also won four of their last five competitive matches after they left it late to claim a narrow win over Sutton United on Saturday.
The contest looked to be heading towards a draw when Sutton’s Aiden O’Brien cancelled out Paul Mullins’s opener, but the Red Dragons snatched all three points thanks to Elliott Lee’s 89th-minute winner.
Wrexham have now scored 11 league goals in the final 15 minutes – more than any other side in the division – and that dogged determination could prove valuable in Saturday’s top-of-the-table clash.
Notts County League Two form:
Notts County form (all competitions):
Wrexham League Two form:
Wrexham form (all competitions):
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Team News
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Notts County trio Adam Chicksen, Richard Brindley and John Bostock still have some way to go in their respective recoveries from injury.
After missing the midweek clash with Newport through suspension, Kyle Cameron and David McGoldrick are set to return to the lineup for Saturday’s contest.
Having netted 11 goals in 15 league appearances, Langstaff will be looking to add to his impressive tally when he features up front against Wrexham.
As for the visitors, they could be without the services of Ryan Barnett and Eoghan O’Connell, who both suffered injuries in Tuesday’s victory.
Parkinson could bring Ben Tozer and Jacob Mendy into the starting XI if Barnett and O’Connell are unable to take their place in the lineup.
Lee, who dropped down to the bench in midweek, is likely to return to the side after coming on to score the winning goal against Sutton.
Notts County possible starting lineup:Slocombe; Macari, Cameron, Rawlinson; Adebayo-Rowling, Palmer, Austin, Jones; Crowley, McGoldrick; Langstaff
Wrexham possible starting lineup:Okonkwo; Mendy, Tozer, Tunnicliffe, O’Connor, McClean; Evans, Jones, Lee; Palmer, Mullin
We say: Notts County 3-2 Wrexham
Last season’s two meetings between Notts County and Wrexham were won by the home side on the day, and we believe that the Magpies will make full use of home advantage to claim a narrow victory over the Welsh side.For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.Under 3.5:data
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