Since Lacey signed we've had 8 league games, keeping clean sheets in 5 of them. He has also allowed Michael Doyle to have more freedom in the centre, so he doesn't have to keep coming deep to collect the ball and that helps us get going on the front foot.

Rawlinson looks a lot more confident bringing the ball out of defence and has been a rock this season. 

This begs the question, is there anyway back for Ben Turner into the starting x1 picture?

I wouldn't break them up at this stage, Connell Rawlinson looks a lot better for me alongside Alex Lacey.

We shouldn't see Ben Turner with Lacey, but with my own doubts about Turners fitness I wouldn't switch it just yet. Save him for the more important games where his experience will help out more with him being 100%.

If Neal Ardley broke the partnership up right now, I think it would lead to unrest from some of the supporters. If it didn't have the same result, it could interfere with trying to re-find the form under the pair.

I think Ben Turner is by far the most experienced defender the club has, I also prefer him over Connell Rawlinson.

The only downside for me about Turner/Rawlinson is the lack of pace at the back, Alex Lacey injects that and is a lot more quicker to respond than the other two. I kind of feel like Neal Ardley will give Lacey a break, returning to the old partnership.

I wouldn't mind it staying the same, or switching to Lacey/Turner.

I think Connell Rawlinson has done well, I do feel he does become awkward at times and struggles in certain games. Ben Turner is more commanding and natural, so I would prefer to see him partner Alex Lacey.

But only if he's 100% fit.

If it's not broken, don't fix it.

Ben Turner can be given time and end up as someone who comes on when either Alex Lacey or Connell Rawlinson is tired.

I would give Ben Turner some game time but I would rather stick to the current partnership.

Neal Ardley might try to mix things up away from home by playing all three centre backs, and switching back to the wing back system.

I have faith in Neal Ardley, but I would hope he sees sense in not changing that much.

Defensively Notts are okay.

A way back? Injury or tactically, it all depends on how Ben Turner is seen by Neal Ardley.

I think it would be worthwhile seeing how Ben Turner does in a less important game, well, not less important but one which should be easier. I think he would be a better partner with Alex Lacey.

Actually I would like to see the possibility of three at the back with Bird, being the 3rd man. Bird is being used as a good option to be brought on to close out the game. 

It's a better situation to have than missing players due to injuries or suspensions.

Ben Turner might be able to come in to give one or the other rest, who knows? Neal Ardley will have a plan I am sure. If he switches it up to 3 CB's, then he needs to make sure two of them remain back at all times.

I think at least this time we sign players  notts are planning on playing them instead of them just wasting their career on the bench or not playing at all.

dont break them up at the moment, wait for a change that is required as that is only fair. i can see ardley going back to turner and rawlinson but it seems madness to me. i also dont like three centre backs playing at the same time.

Ardley says players have to earn their place in the team, wait for an opportunity to claim the shirt. The Lacey/Rawlinson partnership is solid and shouldn’t be split up unless injury dictates. I have nothing at all against Turner but to split the current partnership up would be a big mistake and against Ardley’s own principles.