Luke Williams’ side will want to maintain their promotion push and build momentum with a win against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday as festive fixtures begin.
Notts County bounced back from a narrow defeat away to Crewe a fortnight ago with a comfortable 4-2 victory over Bradford at Meadow Lane last time out.
Goals from David McGoldrick, Dan Crowley and a brace from bagsman MacAuley Langstaff saw the magpies 4-0 up at half time before The Bantams pulled back two consolation goals in the second half.
Not for the first time this season, County can boast an impressive attack that scores boundless goals, spearheaded by Langstaff, currently on 13 league goals this season, but it’s the leaky defence which could see the Magpies fall.
It’s come somewhat as a shock to the system as County boasted the second best defensive record in the National League in 2022/23 but Luke Williams’ side have already conceded 31 goals before the half way point in the season.
It’s certainly not leading the way as the worst defence else they wouldn’t find themselves in third but its a far cry from Stockport’s 18 and the 13 of local rivals Mansfield, both sides occupying the two spots above County.
Despite the ease of victory last weekend, a lack of concentration at the back is proving an issue and could be exploited by a stronger outfit in AFC Wimbledon.
They’re looking steady so far, sitting comfortably in 10th just two points off a Play-off place and have won their last two league games with last weekend’s game against MK Dons postponed.
Defeat in midweek in the EFL Trophy to Wycombe shouldn’t be of any concern after coming off a break of over a week, enough to knock momentum from any side but they themselves will be seeking victory over County to maintain their own promotion push.
It’s County’s attack which is enough to strike fear in the minds of defenders, arguably even Championship outfits.
They boast the second best goalscoring record with 37 goals scored and their aforementioned three key men won’t be forgiving in front of the Wimbledon goal if given the slightest opportunity.
Its not just CLM that provide the threat, with wideman Jodi Jones going somewhat under the radar and proving dangerous continuing on from last season.
As with any opponent and despite being newly promoted, County boast the quality to steamroll any opponent, playing them off the park with their expansive possession based football that will see the legs of the Wombles tire and crumble.
Wimbledon will score, its almost inevitable with County at this point but the promotion charge will remain on, with the Magpies hoping for victory and a Wrexham loss to put some day light between them and the Play-off pack.
Platform Predicts: AFC Wimbledon 1-3 Notts County