Notts drew the short straw this season. 2 of the toughest games are Stanley and Hartlepool away in February on a Tuesday night. Better than December or January though so that's something I guess. This is another of Nott's games in hand.
Stanley are absolutely flying this season. Instead of being the relegation candidate many thought, they are pushing for automatic promotion. A win against Notts and they will be level on points with Oxford who are 3rd. They are 4th in the table with 52 points (13 more than Notts). They have scored 50 goals (6 more than Notts) and conceded 34 goals (a whopping 17 less than Notts). It's easy to see why Stanley are challenging for promotion and Notts aren't.
Stanley have won 3, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their last 5 games. They have beaten Bristol Rovers, Crawley and Oxford. They drew with and lost to Carlisle.
Stanley are an exciting team to watch. They play a 4-4-1-1 formation. They mix pace and power with 100% commitment. Notts could learn a lot from them. Stanley have a few suspensions for tomorrow night, I think it is 4, but I'm not certain. They haven't put up a match preview yet so we will know for sure once they do. Josh Windass who was flying for them is injured and has been for a while. They have a few players in form. Sean McConville on the wing is playing very well and Billy Kee is playing well up front. Stanley's strength is that they have threats throughout the team. They have no big names but play as a team.
This will be a difficult game for Notts but the away record is strong since JF took over. Suspensions might hurt Stanley. Notts do need to improve on Saturday's display but they have shown that they are capable of bouncing back after a disappointing loss so there's reason to be hopeful. The club as a whole needs a lift after Saturday, not just what happened on the pitch, but the ugly scenes off it. Here's hoping we get it. I'll go for a 1-1 draw. Heart over head? Absolutely, but we need a lift....a big one.....