Preparing for Barnet

[Chris Website URL Visit Site 𝕏 fmcj10 Instagram fmcj10]

Unlike some of their fans, I wouldn't dismiss Barnet as a team but I must admit I happier we have them as I feel Yeovil are a bogey team when it comes to playing Notts - especially at Meadow Lane.

Barnet have a lot of direct players, who have pace and enjoy having the ball.

I feel Notts needs to take control by being careful when passing, yet allowing the ball to flow whilst making the Barnet players move. Tiring them down would be an advantage for Notts I feel.

I don't see if as being "an easy game", I feel Barnet will want it just as much as we do.

Yet I do feel our squad on their day are more than capable of controlling the game. It's more down to finishing any chances that we create, I hope to see Enzio at his best when it comes to the game. Thomas, Dennis and Wootton should be able to find space at the back, so whoever starts I have confidence in. Just need that spark in creativity.

[ARLukomski 𝕏 ARLukomski Instagram declanweliczko_arlki]

Against Yeovil, for some time Barnet let Yeovil have the ball and they hit them twice on the counter. Yeovil should have scored. They hit the bar and had one cleared off the line. Hoping our attack can take the chances Yeovil didn't.

Akinola, Fonguck and Coulthirst were all out injured for Saturday's game so don't know if they'll be back. Akinola is their top scorer and Fonguck is good on the ball and travel with the ball from deep, making late runs to join attacks. 

Paul McCallum has 5 in 6 on loan at Barnet but I have faith in Lacey and Rawlo to keep it tight at the back. 

We need to press hard. Yeovil pressed decently when attacking but when Barnet had the ball in defence, Murphy and Duffus and the midfield weren't really busting a gut to take the ball off of them. I'm hoping the high tempo in attack Ardley spoke of, prevails in this area of the game. 

We've shown we can win games stylishly and ugly this season (Eastleigh home and Solihull away). We've shown we can defend against a physical side in Solihull and Bromley. 

[Dripsey3]

Barnet will try to hit Notts on the break. McCallum is looking like the player he was at Eastleigh and that's a big worry. Notts have to press high and force Barnet to go long. They can't let Barnet have the ball because they will find space and cause Notts problems. The first goal will be key. Notts won't be beat if they score first because Barnet will have to come out and Notts will exploit that. Notts have the better bench and that could play a part as well. 

[liampie]

if i remember the last time we played them earlier in the season, it was a stalemate in terms of performances.

i felt a bit disappointed that they snatched the win, i thought they created chances quite well but their goals came from poor defending. i hope this is different this time around, i think with the cameras being there both sides will be nervous.

i would not fear them but notts does need to be mindful about the space we leave open.

[TheSkipper 𝕏 TheSkipperNCFC]

Notts needs to start the players who will be calm on the ball, I would be tempted to leave Ben Turner on the bench because Alex Lacey and Connell Rawlinson looked ace together. They have a good mutual understanding but I can see Neal Ardley slotting Turner back into his starting XI.

First half might be a nervous one, but the second should only improve.

Creating clear cut chances would ease the burden and pressure of the players, I don't think either side will batter the other.