Game 25 - The Shrimps (A)

Team: Morecambe FC

Date: 07/01/17

Where: Globe Arena

What line-up should caretaker manager Alan Smith opt for? What will be the key areas for the Magpies to get a victory? What do you think the final score will be?

Have your say below, join in with the Pride of Nottingham match discussion.

Is anyone going to this? Making a weekend of it? Morecambe used to be one of the largest resorts in the country with a series of grand hotels and two grand piers. The piers are now gone and few of the hotels remain.

This is a massively significant match for a number of reasons. Morecambe are also struggling, so three points on Saturday could be precious come the end of the season. On top of that, it will be an early indicator of how the team will react to John Sheridan's departure and is also the final match before Alan Hardy's takeover is formally completed.

Technically, this is a game we should at least get a draw from but I want Alan Smith to go for the win.

They're not much better than us, yet have managed to win 2 games recently and picked up a draw - there is a defeat within that mix too. I really don't know, I think Alan would probably be wise packing the midfield more than the defence. 4-4-2 doesn't even seem to work for us, so perhaps we should get the full/wing backs to support the midfield and go for the legendary three centre backs?

We need to think of something which would allow us to represent a professional football team. I hope Campbell gets a chance to feature, he seems one of our only threats.

Morecambe is a difficult place to go. Even worse when you have no confidence and a new inexperienced manager. 3-1 defeat for me. Hopefully better days ahead.

Smith's team selection will be very interesting.  Does he rate the likes of Aborah and Snijders, or will he go for the more battling types (if we have any!).  This run of defeats has to end some time, but I am only hopeful rather than confident for Saturday.  Remember, we couldn't even scrape a point there with Sol Campbell in the team!

This will be somewhat harsh but I worry about if he would pick himself, however surely as the manager it would make him enforce our own squad of players more?

That's right... Alan Smith, player, coach, manager and now super captain.

3-2 morecambe

i think we will blow a 2-0 lead and then go into twitter and mad meltdown mode.

Maybe I need to step back from the excitement of the takeover and the new hope for the future , and remember our form , but I feel a new air of optimism a reason for positivity , it must be filtering through the club also , for this reason I'm thinking a change of fortunes is imminent , a win for the pies , someone wake me up 

No let me dream , coyp 

"I just asked them the question if they wanted to be here...and if they did let's do everything we can to win Saturday"

"Everyone does try and everyone does care"

#SuperNotts

Can we get some score predictions folks? Keep adding your thoughts, some very good comments above.

What do you think @Piethagoram? C'mon have your say.

My prediction would be 1=1 or 2-1 to them, depends if we crumble or stand tall (for once).

The standing tall starts tomorrow , a narrow Notts win for me , can't see us keeping a clean sheet so 2-1 to Notts 

@notts-joe http://www.nottinghampost.com/all-eyes-on-alan-smith-s-team-selection-as-notts-county-head-to-morecambe/story-30033547-detail/story.html The only important news is the possible return of Stanley! 

I think Alan Smith will inspire us to a draw (at least) with a very different team. I don't want him as manager now, but I think he'll make a good one in years to come.

Apparently Alan Hardy has tweeted that a youth team player will feature tomorrow, though it seems unsure as to whether he will start or just be part of the squad.  I can only think of Luther Wildin at right back who has looked ready to me, I seem to remember that Piethagoram rates him also.  

There's been some criticism about Hardy tweet that I have seen on social media.

Even if we field a youngster, how would it impact things? It's not like we are throwing a world beater into the mix or someone who is returning from an injury. Yes, they may think it could be a vulnerable area but this will ultimately test the lad. They may make a mistake by focusing on this area, he may feature on the bench or simply not start (one of those sneaky tricks). I really don't have a problem with it personally, you'd be surprised about how the opposition find things out before games anywho.

Let's hope someone else is given a chance to shine so that one day they may be a world beater (even if it's just within our division at the time).

Morecambe 1-3 Notts County

3-1 Notts, Notts to go down to 10 men and concede a penalty, Smith to get sent to the stands, heard it here first haha! 

I reckon the young lad will be Jack McMillan in midfield

Whoever it is it will be nice to see another academy player make it into the first team

Absolutely loving the optimism 

COME ON YOU PIES 

4 hours ago, Who r ya?? You Pies!! said:

Absolutely loving the optimism 

COME ON YOU PIES 

Here's a bit more optimism for you , @Who r ya?? You Pies!!.I have a feeling Alan Smith will prove a hit today and Notts will win at last.Sincerely hope I don't look silly at 5pm.

Nice one @super_ram good luck mate 

2 minutes ago, Who r ya?? You Pies!! said:

Nice one @super_ram good luck mate 

Not expecting anything for my lot today @Who r ya?? You Pies!! so relying on Notts to save my weekend.

Sam Osborne. Anyone seen him?


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Ya never know , it is a tough one though @super_ram

I haven't must admit , hope the lad adds some energy , coyp