Notts County will look to climb into the League Two automatic promotion spots when they host Carlisle United at Meadow Lane on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the visitors will aim to secure a vital win to edge closer to safety in their relegation battle, having climbed off the foot of the table last weekend.
Match preview
© Imago
Notts County started the campaign brightly, but a difficult run between early November and mid-December saw them go five matches without a win, losing three and drawing two during that period.
However, the Magpies have turned their form around, winning five of their last seven league games – their only defeat in that time came against league leaders Walsall, while their most recent outing ended in a 1-1 draw against Bromley.
Jodi Jones, making his first start since October, came close to scoring a spectacular goal before converting a penalty in the 56th minute to give Notts the lead – however, Cameron Congreve's brilliant individual effort ensured the spoils were shared.
Stuart Maynard's side currently occupy a playoff spot, sitting sixth with 44 points, but a win on Tuesday could see them climb to second, as both Crewe Alexandra and Doncaster Rovers, in second and third respectively, are tied on 46 points, and have played an extra game.
The Magpies are favourites to take maximum points, given their form and dominance in recent meetings – they are unbeaten in their last six encounters with Carlisle, winning four, including the previous two.
© Imago
Meanwhile, the visitors will hope to build on their dramatic 2-1 away victory over Fleetwood Town on Saturday, with Sam Lavelle scoring a late winner.
Head coach Mike Williamson emphasised that the result must act as a "catalyst" for further improvement — a notion that will be tested under the lights at Meadow Lane.
The win was Carlisle's first in 2025 and only their second in 11 League Two matches, lifting them off the bottom of the table and injecting hope into their survival bid – now five points away from safety.
Notably, three of United's five league wins this season, including Saturday's triumph, have come on the road, offering some optimism ahead of this clash.
Team News
© Imago
Jodi Jones and Jack Hinchy returned to Notts County's starting XI for the draw with Bromley and are expected to retain their places for this game.
Striker Alassana Jatta, who has 12 league goals this season, will look to add to his tally as he chases the League Two Golden Boot, currently three goals behind the top scorer.
For Carlisle, an injury to Paul Dummett — who made his debut against Fleetwood but suffered a hamstring issue within the first five minutes — will likely force a change in the starting lineup.
Cedwyn Scott, who scored Carlisle's opener on his full debut last time out, is expected to retain his place, while Stephen Wearne, Ethan Robson and Jordan Jones remain doubtful after missing the Fleetwood match due to illness.
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Bass; McDonald, Platt, Bedeau; Austin, Abbott, Hinchy, Jones; Grant, McGoldrick; Jatta
Carlisle United possible starting lineup:
Breeze; McAurthur, Thomas, Lavelle; Jones, Patching, Whelan, Williams; Scott, Harris; Hugill
We say: Notts County 2-1 Carlisle United
Notts County head into Tuesday's clash as clear favourites, and they are expected to secure all three points – however, Carlisle's renewed confidence following their recent away victory could make this a more closely contested affair than anticipated.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
