Chris

At 7:45pm tonight, Bradford City will make a claim for a play-off place again, as they take on MK Dons at the Valley Parade. Then the rest of League One return to action the day after - Tuesday 10th of February. MK Dons are presented a chance to go top of the league, at least on a temporary basis. Both teams are hot in form and I believe this lively encounter could end up as a 2-2 draw. The Bantams will perhaps be classed as the underdogs, however The Dons manager Karl Robinson believes his side are doing far better than they should be. As the home side Bradford are presented a golden opportunity, they will believe they have the quality to beat MK Dons – especially after coming back and defeating the Premierships leaders Chelsea. Monday 9th February 2015 Bradford vs MK Dons – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-2) * Important Game – ** Key Game Tuesday 10th February 2015 *Barnsley vs Fleetwood – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-0) *Bristol City vs Port Vale – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (3-1) Chesterfield vs Preston North End – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-2) **Coventry vs Scunthorpe – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (3-1) *Crawley vs Doncaster – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-1) **Crewe vs Yeovil – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (0-2) Leyton Orient vs Notts County – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-1) Oldham vs Swindon – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-2) **Peterborough vs Gillingham – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (3-1) Sheffield United vs Colchester – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (2-1) *Walsall vs Rochdale – Kick Off 7:45pm – Score Prediction (1-0) My Stand-out Games Barnsley vs Fleetwood Chesterfield vs Preston North End Peterborough vs Gillingham If Barnsley's home tie against Fleetwood ended up as a draw, it would be useful to ourselves as it would narrow the gap down, especially if we can get a result ourselves. I see Barnsley winning Fleetwood however, it should be a close game. Chesterfield could secure their play-off place further by defeating Preston North End, whereas Preston could achieve this goal themselves whilst maintaining a chance of progressing back to an automatic place. Peterborough is another game whereby a draw would most likely help Notts, yet with Peterborough finding their feet I see them easily seeing off the Gills, despite them performing very well themselves as of lately. Thoughts on Leyton Orient v Notts County I fear for the result but not for the safety of the club, I firmly believe in the squad that Shaun Derry has assembled. Leyton Orient will be wanting to keep themselves within a chance of surviving the drop and it's the relegation fights I feel Notts struggle the most in. I do believe a win is possible for the magpies, yet I do think there's much more required to progress back to a steady field and that will naturally take some time. I am hoping for a close game, one which might not be entertaining but will require a lot of concentration and effort. A win for Notts could flip the league back into an healthy situation, allowing it to be a positive game for the club to move on from. No matter what, I do feel we can rely on the depth of the squad and over come any challenge thrown at us. Match Thread - Magpies in the Market - League Link-Ups

Saturday 7th of February, Notts County will be facing up against promotion chasing Chesterfield. The Spireites will be hoping a win will help them establish themselves firmly within the play-off places, however a draw or defeat would most likely see them replaced. Chesterfield won't turn up to Meadow Lane allowing us to push them over, it must be a hard working performance from Notts. The Spireites have won three of their last six games, drawing two and only losing one. Recent wins come against Crawley, Port Vale and Peterborough United. The Match Officials for the game against Chesterfield will be Keith Stroud, with his two assistants Ben Toner and Ollie Yates. The fourth official will be Michael D'aguilar. Match Officials Referee; Keith Stroud From – Hampshire His matches involving Notts County and Chesterfield in the last four seasons; JPT – Wednesday 17th October 2012 – Notts County 1 Sheffield United 4 – 3 Yellow Cards League One – Friday 2nd August 2013 – Sheffield United 2 Notts County 1 – 4 Yellow Cards and 1 Red Card League One – Saturday 15th March 2014 – Tranmere Rovers 3 Notts County 2 – 4 Yellow Cards F.A Cup – Saturday 6th December 2014 – MK Dons 0 Chesterfield 1 – 2 Yellow Cards Run down of his last four games this season; Championship – Tuesday 30th December 2014 – Derby County 2 Leeds United 0 – 5 Yellow Cards League One – Monday 12th January 2015 – Coventry City 0 Swindon Town 3 – 3 Yellow Cards Championship – Wednesday 21st January 2015 – Bright & Hove Albion 3 Ipswich Town 2 – 2 Yellow Cards F.A Cup – Saturday 24th January 2015 – Preston North End 1 Sheffield United 1 – 4 Yellow Cards In his last four games 14 yellow cards have been shown and no red cards. So far this season in a total of 25 games he has shown 115 yellow cards and 3 red cards. That's roughly 4.6 yellow cards per game. Assistant Referee; Ben Toner From – Lancashire Last 3 officiated games; Saturday 17th January 2015 – Nuneaton Town 0 Gateshead 2 Saturday 24th January 2015 – York City 1 Burton Albion 1 Saturday 31st January 2015 – Wrexham 0 Torquay United 0 Assistant Referee; Ollie Yates From – Staffordshire Last 3 officiated games; Saturday 17th January 2015 – Leamington Spa 1 Tamworth 2 Saturday 24th January 2015 – Wolves 0 Charlton Athletic 0 Saturday 31st January 2015 – Blackpool 1 Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Fourth Official; Michael D'aguilar From – Staffordshire Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time. Match Thread - League One Preview - League One News - Scouting Report

Meadow Lane hosts Chesterfield on Saturday 7th of February, as Notts County prepare to take on the Spireites in a local derby. Chesterfield currently sit 5th after winning three of their last six games, drawing two and only losing one against Swindon Town. They have scored 12 goals, having conceded 7 times. Chesterfield will be hoping the visit is just another formal encounter of their quest to remain within the play-offs, however Notts will be hoping to strike back at home with a good result. Run down of their last six games. Saturday 10th January – Chesterfield 3 Port Vale 0 Tuesday 13th January – Chesterfield 2 Scunthorpe United 0 (F.A Cup) Saturday 17th January – Swindon Town 3 Chesterfield 0 Saturday 24th January – Derby County 2 Chesterfield 0 (F.A Cup) Tuesday 27th January – Chesterfield 3 Crawley Town 2 Saturday 31st January – Chesterfield 2 Doncaster Rovers 2 The Players – Fact Sheet Highest Goal Scorers; Samuel Clucas 8, Gary Roberts 5, Jay O'Shea 3 and Jimmy Ryan 3. Persistent Foulers; Ian Evatt 1 Red Card and 8 Yellow Cards, Sam Morsy 1 Red Card and 6 Yellow Cards, Daniel Jones 1 Red Card and 4 Yellow Cards and Tommy Lee 1 Red Card and 1 Yellow Card. The Key Players. Armand Gnanduillet, Oliver Banks, Samuel Clucas, Jimmy Ryan and Daniel Jones. Thankfully the Spireites will be without Eoin Doyle, however Samuel Clucas is a consistent and dominant threat to opposition teams. The tricky winger and attacking midfielder is a live wire for Chesterfield. Armand Gnanduillet will be keen to etch his name in their starting 11, he is a versatile striker who will more likely find regular game time. He is pacey, strong and tall – However his eye for goal can be questionable, he is and will remain a threat if selected. Oliver Banks and Jimmy Ryan are the inspiration within the Spireites midfield, they are both creative and clever with the type of play they both express. Whilst Daniel Jones is also a versatile player who can play within defence and midfield, he also has a habit of scoring from set pieces and can release quite a powerful shot from distance. Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses. Chesterfield are very attacking minded, they play quite high up the field which leaves space within their defence but are quite well structured. They play strategic passes, cleverly moving the ball forward whist attempting to dictate the tempo of the game. They're direct with their approach, with players getting behind the ball and running straight at their opposition. Runs aim to move outwards from the channels, as they tend to try to build through the centre of the park. This allows them to create chances, whilst some players like having a go with long drives towards goal. The Spireites don't give up, this is an element shown throughout their squad and each player gives 100% allowing them to easily find their way into games. Another strength is found within their direct approach, they can build play slowly or bombard their opposition. Chesterfield are a well set-up side, very well structured. However, with them mainly focusing on being offensive, they do sit their defence at times quite high up the field and if their opposition can get the ball quickly into dangerous areas they do struggle. This is something better play can break down Also, panic can set in from set pieces which often sees them scramble and pack players into their penalty box. If they don't retain the ball well, it falls down to their hard work, concentration and better players to dig them out of the game. So, in principle if we hold the play and slowly build, making sure we get into good positions good chances will come. Match Thread - League One Preview - League One News

Saturday 31st of January, Notts County head to Boundary Park to play Oldham Athletic. The Latics also find themselves requiring to improve in terms of their form, however they are scoring as of lately. Both teams will be eyeing this tie up as a must win encounter as Notts look to respond after the disappointing performance and result against Peterborough United. The Latics form currently stands at LLLDWL compared to Notts LLLWDL, likewise they have also been performing better away from home. The Match Officials for the game against Oldham Athletic will be Peter Bankes, with his two assistants Jonathan Hunt and Neil Sharp. The fourth official will be Richard Wigglesworth. Match Officials Referee; Peter Bankes From – Merseyside His matches involving Notts County and Oldham Athletic in the last four seasons; League One – Saturday 18th October 2014 – Notts County 5 Crawley Town 3 – 6 Yellow Cards League One – Saturday 13th December 2014 – Oldham Athletic 0 Yeovil Town 4 – 2 Yellow Cards Run down of his last four games this season; League One – Saturday 13th December 2014 – Oldham Athletic 0 Yeovil Town 4 – 2 Yellow Cards League Two – Sunday 28th December 2014 – Bury 2 Mansfield 0 – 2 Yellow Cards League One – Saturday 10th January 2015 – Barnsley 2 Yeovil Town 0 – 1 Red Card and 3 Yellow Cards Championship – Saturday 17th January 2015 – Middlesbrough 2 Huddersfield 0 – 4 Yellow Cards In his last four games 15 yellow cards have been shown and only 1 red card. So far this season in a total of 16 games he has shown 54 yellow cards and 4 red cards. That's roughly 3.3 yellow cards per game. Assistant Referee; Jonathan Hunt From – Liverpool Last 3 officiated games; Saturday 29th November 2014 – Bury 0 Dagenham & Redbridge 2 Sunday 28th December 2014 – Bradford City 1 Notts County 0 Sunday 11th January 2015 – Blackburn Rovers 0 Wolves 1 Assistant Referee; Neil Sharp From – Cleveland Last 3 officiated games; Saturday 13th December 2014 – Leeds United 0 Fulham 1 Friday 26th December 2014 – Sheffield Wednesday 1 Blackpool 0 Saturday 10th January 2015 – Carlisle United 0 Cambridge United 1 Fourth Official; Richard Wigglesworth From – South Yorkshire Do you have an opinion on the game? - Match Thread Also, please do leave us a comment below if you have time. Match Thread - League One Preview - Scouting Report - League One News

Notts County visit Boundary Park on Saturday as the magpies prepare to take on Oldham Athletic. The Latics have only won one of their last six games, which was against Fleetwood Town. They have lost four and only drawn one. So, Notts find themselves against another team in similar form to themselves, another chance for points to be added to the scoreboard. Oldham Athletic will be seeing this as a game whereby their home advantage might sway things in their favour, however Notts must put out all the stops. Run down of their last six games. Saturday 13th December – Oldham Athletic 0 Yeovil Town 4 Saturday 20th December – MK Dons 7 Oldham Athletic 0 Friday 26th December – Oldham Athletic 1 Crewe Alexandra 2 Saturday 10th January – Oldham Athletic 2 Doncaster Rovers 2 Saturday 17th January – Fleetwood Town 0 Oldham Athletic 2 Saturday 24th January – Gillingham 3 Oldham Athletic 2 The Players – Fact Sheet Highest Goal Scorers; Jonathan Forte 13, Danny Philliskirk 5, Mike Jones 4 and Dominic Poleon 3. Persistent Foulers; Joseph Mills 1 Red Card and 1 Yellow Cards, Jabo Ibehre 1 Red Card 1 Yellow Cards, James Wilson 7 Yellow Cards and Liam Kelly 3 Yellow Cards. The Key Players. Jonathan Forte, Danny Philliskirk, Jacob Mellis, Mike Jones and Carl Winchester. The former magpie forward Jonathan Forte is likely to be a doubt, however he's found form during his time at Oldham and they play to his strengths which has seen him notch up quite a few goals. The lively player may see a return and if so, he will be one of their key players. Danny Philliskirk is a player who is hard working, this allows him to find time on the ball and he has the ability to finish half chances when presented with a chance. The on loan Jacob Mellis is a box to box midfielder who brings creativity, strength and versatile defending to the ranks of The Latics. Mike Jones and Carl Winchester are the heartbeat within the Oldham play, if these two gain a stride opposition teams can have quite the headache on their hands. However, Mike Jones is also a player which Oldham rely upon to pull play together which either sees him play well or disappear within important games. Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses. Oldham Athletic look to mix dropping high balls with forward runs down the side of the flanks, often rushing into space created within the centre of the park. They place close passes, usually into areas whereby their players can gain ground over their opposition effectively allowing them to advance forward. They set-up themselves up to be offensive, however against good teams they drop their defensive line back to counter any fallout from their attacking game. Their main strengths come from the type of balls they choose to play, which allows them to get behind the defenders they face and into key areas. The Latics invite chances for themselves by delivery high balls to their strikers who are quite tall. The link-up play which Oldham can put together can be difficult for teams to defend against, they have won quite a few free kicks in positions as a direct result to this which is another area they like to have a try from. Weaknesses are mainly found from stray passes and a lack of awareness within their defence. If sides seize onto their mistakes, Oldham tend to be drawn into areas whereby they fail to mark or restrict chances. Although they have quite an experienced keeper in Paul Rachubka, he tends to struggle with far placed shots aimed high into the top of his netting. Their midfield often fails to pick up lose play, which invites pressure back onto their defence and if teams can quickly burst towards their penalty box – Oldham Athletic tend to allow players to run on passes or are drawn into making fundamental challenges. Match Thread - League One Preview - Magpies in the Market

Towards the end of December, I didn't really expect Notts to make many signings, if any, during the January transfer window. Some sources claimed that no signings would be made at all. I stuck to hopes that we would see some sort of inbound movement within the transfer period at Meadow Lane. I think more than anything I was hoping we would sign players on a permanent basis. Yet I did think if any movement was made, it would mostly be in the form of loans, and I'm not against that at all – a club like Notts needs to make the most of the loan market. During the same period, the Nottingham Post had claimed that the return of Liam Noble would be like a new signing and most likely all us Notts fans should expect. I felt this was patronising more than anything, as I didn't think Derry would sit out the window completely. Then came the arrival of two untested and untried loanees from Derby County, my father’s team. Kwame Thomas: Looked to be the one with the most promise, in his début he looked to get involved and offered us something completely different up front. It was nice to see a striker looking to bring in the physical side of play, at least to the point he didn't shy a way from getting involved. Good move? Hard to say but I'd gamble on extending his deal. Does he offer us anything different? I would say he does. His attitude and ambition, combined with his raw potential, makes him appear useful to have around. We don't have a striker who isn't afraid of getting involved in the way young Thomas does. Alefe Santos: He arrived with more expectations I would say, instantly I noticed comments about him being Brazilian, but playing football like an English player. This isn't hard to explain, since he's been living in the UK since his early childhood, but he does show some touches of flare and unlike some Brazilians he looks to pass more than he does run – bar the effort he wasted against Peterborough. Good move? So far, no. He simply hasn't done enough. Does he offer us anything different? I don't think he's settled in as he could have done, considering his wages I wouldn't expect them to be a lot and he could be worthwhile hanging onto. William Hayhurst: Put in a very effective and exciting début, even within the last few games he has looked to get involved but has been considerably marked out of games. However, the youngster still continues to impress and if Notts could work more on their dynamics, I can see him being a big signing for the magpies. Good move? Yes, his ability to cross is something we desperately lacked. Does he offer us anything different? To say we have been crying out for a winger who can cross would be a massive understatement but he offers much more than that. He offers energy, someone who can assist with defending and link up with the central midfielders. Billy Daniels: After his speculator début goal, he hasn't quite offered us much else. However, it's very early days and he does seem to have something about him that suggests he could link up well with a striker or an attacking midfielder who can play into him. Good move? Yes, his ability to be a rotational player will be of importance when we require a little more depth in midfield. Does he offer us anything different? I echo my earlier comments, but his height and skill does seem to intrigue me. Hayden White: Coming into the Doncaster Rovers there was a lot said about him, at the time I saw him more as a backup and something we could have needed. Dean Yates said on the radio that he's probably a failed winger, yet having seen highlights of him on YouTube he appeared to be a rugby player and not a footballer – these comments concerned me. And seeing him start at Peterborough United, he offered us nothing and he looked to really struggle in the game. His defending was non-existent and his attacking play was limited at best. Good move? No, not at all. Does he offer us anything different? I wouldn't say so, not even as a backup player. I mean he could prove us all wrong but he doesn't seem to have a future in football, let alone the non-league. Balint Bajner: #NoBajnerNoParty – Now we've got that out the way, I tracked this rumour from the early days where by the Oldham manager said we 'blew them out of the water'. He looked useful from the highlights; his career suggests he has something. His début at Doncaster Rovers received some interesting comments and I was eager to see him start against Peterborough United. His height, ball control and confidence suggest he could be a very good player in League One. I think he did okay in the game against the Posh, I liked his energy, movement and the way he held his own against their defenders. He also didn't go down for a penalty within the first half, many European strikers let a lone at this level would have done. Good move? Yes, this signing could actually pay off. Does he offer us anything different? Aside from his cult following? Yes, definitely. He offers us movement, a bit flare and skill. He's the type of signing with little expectation but a considerable amount of promise. I also don't want to forget about his height! To say he's tall, he offers close control and turns rather nicely. If we can bring that into our play and help him more, I would say he offers a lot of hope. Summary All in all much better than I had expected, the young players from Derby sort of sent Twitter into meltdown and I understand that. Yet bar White, I am not disappointed. Santos could actually improve, whereas Hayhurst, Daniels and Bajner offer a lot of promise and at least they're ours! The kid Thomas is also useful. Am I expecting any more? Notts are being heavily linked with Nicky Clark, whilst Louis Laing seems quite viable. If I am honest, I don't think we will see any more. I do hold hopes we can, quite possibly we will but I do expect any more personally. Tell Us Your Thoughts - League One Preview - Meet the Fans

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