Notts County host Barnet in a crucial Sky Bet League Two fixture in the race for automatic promotion.
Victory would lift Notts County above Cambridge United into third after the Us drew 0-0 at Bromley in the opening match of this weekend, although a draw or defeat for the Magpies would see Bromley seal automatic promotion.
Barnet can go eighth with a win if Grimsby suffer a draw or defeat at Gillingham.
Team News
Notts County have no fresh injury concerns after their 4-0 defeat at Cambridge, in which Jodi Jones was an unused substitute as he continues to manage a knock.
Alassana Jatta is serving the last of a three-match suspension for violent conduct, whilst Matty Platt (ACL) is ruled out.
Barnet have no fresh injury concerns to report with Danny Collinge serving the last of a three-match suspension, after he was sent off in their 2-2 draw at home to Bromley on Good Friday.
When is Kick-Off?
Notts County host Barnet at Meadow Lane on Saturday 18 April at 3pm BST, untelevised live in the UK.
Stat Attack
- Notts County have won five of their last eight meetings against Barnet (W5, L3).
- Barnet are yet to win an EFL league match away to Notts County (D2, L7).
- Notts County have kept clean sheets in four of their last six home matches against Barnet.
- Jatta has been involved in more league goals than any other Notts County player (17), having produced 14 goals and three assists in 29 appearances.
- Five of Kabongo Tshimanga’s 10 goals for Barnet this season have been scored away from home.
Prediction
Following their lacklustre defeat at Cambridge in which they didn’t even put a shot on target amidst some poor defending, Notts County now can’t afford any slip-ups in their last three matches if want any chance of automatic promotion – especially with Cambridge having a tricky game in hand at Grimsby.
Barnet meanwhile are in strong form but given their dominance against Barrow, they really shouldn’t of allowed the Cumbrian visitors to score with their two shots on target, so a huge defensive improvement is needed if they’re to keep a wounded County quiet despite recovering to win that game.
Dean Brennan’s Bees also are just five points off the last play-off spot and with Chesterfield likely to beat Fleetwood, it’s imperative that they win here to keep their own ambitions alive which will please their opposite side of London as it would secure Bromley’s inevitable promotion.
Barnet however undeniably have a poor away record at County but with Jatta suspended and the hosts coming into this off the back of a poor performance, I do think that this is a great opportunity for the Bees and I hope that they can grasp it as there is no better chance to get a first away win over the Magpies.
Prediction: Notts County 1-2 Barnet
Result: Notts County 1-2 Barnet