Grimsby Town and Notts County square off on Saturday afternoon looking to remain in direct contention for the automatic promotion places.
Despite sitting in ninth and sixth position in the League Two table respectively, there is just a five-point gap between the former and second place.
Match preview
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As arguably the most inconsistent side in the division, Grimsby can be somewhat satisfied that they still find themselves in the hunt for automatic promotion.
Twelve wins and 12 defeats have come from their 25 matches, most recently suffering back-to-back away losses at the hands of Accrington Stanley and Bradford City.
Over the past eight matches, David Artell's side have put together a run of two wins being followed by two defeats, on two occasions, and it makes the Mariners an unpredictable side heading into the closing four months of the season.
Despite their position in the table, they possess the second-worst defensive record in the division, not helped by conceding three goals in each of their last two fixtures.
A total of 21 strikes have been shipped in their 12 encounters at Blundell Park, yet Grimsby have emerged victorious in three of their last four home games in the league.
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Having failed to build on their outstanding start to the season, Notts County have finally gotten back on track to emerge as a genuine contender for the top three.
Four wins have been registered in their last five outings, the only defeat coming against leaders Walsall when they initially held a half-time lead.
Stuart Maynard's side have scored 12 goals during those four victories, most recently ending the unbeaten run of a resurgent Swindon Town by prevailing 2-0 at Meadow Lane.
Despite only winning five of their 13 away fixtures and recently posting three consecutive defeats on their travels, Notts County possess the third-best record in the division.
Team News
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Artell is likely to tinker with his Grimsby side with Lewis Cass and Jayden Luker natural alternatives to be restored on the right flank.
Should that double change materialise, Tyrell Warren and Luca Barrington are the duo likely to miss out.
Meanwhile, Maynard may see no reason to tinker with his Notts County XI on the back of their efficient victory over Swindon.
Maynard was able to rest some of his key men during the closing quarter of the contest, meaning that the likes of Jodi Jones and Jack Hinchy will have to remain patient for a recall.
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Wright; Cass, Rodgers, McJannet, Hume; McEachran, Khouri; Luker, Davies, Svanthorsson; Rose
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Bass; McDonald, Platt, Bedeau; Austin, Abbott, Palmer, Martin; Crowley; Jatta, McGoldrick
We say: Grimsby Town 1-2 Notts County
Despite just three points separating these two teams, they are on contrasting runs of form. With that in mind, we are backing the visitors to battle their way to an important victory at Blundell Park, potentially through a fast start to the contest.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
