Notts County and Grimsby Town will be looking to catapult themselves up the League Two standings when they meet at Meadow Lane on Thursday evening.
With just one win between them after two games apiece, these two clubs currently occupy 16th and 13th position respectively.
Match preview
© Imago
Despite cashing in on star player Macauley Longstaff, there is a feeling that Notts County could challenge for promotion in 2024-25 courtesy of how they have strengthened their squad in response.
That will remain the case despite Stuart Maynard's side still looking for their first win of the campaign, with each of their three games in all competitions ending in draws.
Positives will be taken from pushing Shrewsbury Town all the way in the EFL Cup before losing on penalties, with draws against Tranmere Rovers and Fleetwood Town coming either side.
In the latter fixture, Notts County found themselves 2-0 down after 46 minutes, only to salvage a share of the spoils through a last-gasp penalty.
Maynard will hope that the momentum is with his side after that stirring comeback, yet Grimsby find themselves in a similar position.
The Mariners went down 1-0 to Fleetwood on the opening weekend of the campaign before responding by edging out Bradford City on penalties in the EFL Cup.
On Saturday, Grimsby gave up a 2-0 advantage versus Cheltenham Town, only for Jordan Davies to score his second goal of the game in the 90th minutes to seal a dramatic 3-2 victory.
With David Artell not necessarily impressing in his role at Grimsby since his November appointment, it felt like an important win, just his eighth in 31 matches in charge.
Artell's aim will now be to deliver what would incredibly be Grimsby's first back-to-back wins in the fourth tier of English football since all the way back in March 2023.
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Team News
Despite a number of changes helping Notts County earn a draw with Fleetwood, Maynard could be prepared to stick with the same starting lineup.
Veteran forward David McGoldrick is an option to come into the attack for either Conor Grant or Cedwyn Scott, although his impact will likely come from the substitutes' bench.
Barring any fitness issues, there is also little need for Artell to tinker with his Grimsby XI for the trip to the East Midlands.
Evan Khouri made a positive impression at left-back last time out and should keep his spot ahead of Denver Hume.
While forward Donovan Wilson has not scored in two League Two starts, his goal versus Bradford in the EFL Cup could keep him in the team.
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Bass; Macari, Platt, Bedeau; Jones, Hinchy, Crowley, Chicksen; Grant, Scott; Jatta
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Wright; Cass, Rodgers, McJannet, Khouri; McEachran, Davies; Barrington, Green, Vernam; Wilson
We say: Notts County 2-1 Grimsby Town
Everything points to this contest being decided by the odd goal in what should be a competitive fixture. While both teams have momentum, we are backing the home side to come through with maximum points, potentially finishing strong like they did against Fleetwood.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
