The Build-Up

All is to play for today with the local derby being moved forward from its original schedule due to our neighbours game against Rotherham United. The game is likely to start off lively, with both teams having the chance to sit top of the League Two table.

Mansfield come into the game with a draw and a loss in the League Cup against Championship side Sheffield Wednesday.

On the other hand Notts have started very brightly after the end to their pre-season, on paper the Magpies will also be the favourites.

Key Fixtures

Friday 14^th August 2015

Notts County v Mansfield

Saturday 15^th August 2015

Barnet v Wycombe
Plymouth v Portsmouth

Prediction

Mansfield Town cannot be written off for their start so far within the 2015/16 campaign, it’s early in the season and teams are still finding their feet after assembling their new looking squad. The Stags have made some decent signings for the League Two level and will be fired up for the local derby game between us. I see the game ending 3-1 in our favour! C’mon You Pies!!!

Match Odds

Notts County to win 21/20 – Draw 12/5 – Mansfield Town to win 5/2

Head to Head

Notts County – If Notts manage to pick up their second win of the season, it would see them move top of the League Two table temporarily. A draw would also have the same temporary effect, with the potential of ending up anywhere from 5^th to 12^th in my opinion. A loss would see us drop to around the upper half/mid table.

Mansfield Town – A win for the Stags would see them move top of the division temporarily, allowing them to safely secure a upper half place. A draw would see them remain around the mid table and perhaps even drop towards the lower half, as will losing.

Key Man

Notts County; Stanley Aborah – He’s been a breath of fresh air since arriving and his presence allows Notts to play in a way which allows our advancing players more space to go forward themselves. He offers a mix of creativity, which watching his passing ability and trickery will be key to breaking down Mansfield.

Mansfield Town; Craig Westcarr – The thorn in any side he features for against Notts, his ability to read the game and elude defenders will make him the Stags main threat with doubts hanging over Matt Green.

League Table

The current table shows 9 sides starting off quite healthy, with Portsmouth, Notts County and Plymouth Argyle all being tipped for promotion by the majority of bookies.

After today’s results, the league won’t look too much different until the games set to face off on Saturday take place. It’s there I imagine the table will look quite different, with perhaps sides like Luton Town picking up maximum points and advancing up the table.

Notts could go top as already mentioned, the same applies for Mansfield and this is another reason why the game between the two is paramount to both sides.

There’s not a great deal in which I can mention right now, I don’t expect the leading pack to form until at least 7-9 games into the season. Yet, I do feel Notts have started brightly enough to warrant their odds for promotion and after making 18 signings so far, it shows just how much work has been made behind the scenes to start the season off so brightly. I think after Saturday, if my prediction is correct, Notts will find themselves around 2nd or 3rd which would be a fantastic position to push on from.