In an important clash in League Two's race for promotion, Notts County are set to host Colchester United at Meadow Lane on Tuesday.
Both sides have been in strong form ahead of the showdown, but the Magpies will be looking to bounce back from a rare defeat last time out.
Match preview
© Imago
Stuart Maynard's Notts County are in the middle of a promotion-chasing pack of four clubs between second and sixth in the table that are separated by just three points.
Having picked up 16 points from their last seven matches, the Magpies find themselves fourth, just two points behind second-placed AFC Wimbledon with 53 points to their name after 30 games.
Tuesday's hosts have performed well at the start of 2025, winning five times and drawing once, though their year to date has been bookended by a home defeat against Walsall on New Year's Day and a 1-0 defeat on the road to Port Vale most recently.
In that game, Notts – as Maynard put it – 'gave absolutely everything', but they left the ground frustrated after wasting a number of chances to prevent and respond to Ronan Curtis's late winner.
In midweek, the Magpies will have to get back to winning ways if they are to keep up with the group in the hunt for third-tier football next season, though they must make the most of their opportunities against one of the league's most in-form teams.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Danny Cowley's Colchester are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak and will come into this clash with confidence despite the disparity in league position between the two clubs.
With 41 points on the board, the U's are 12th in League Two, and given their form, they will be dreaming of making up the eight-point gap to seventh-placed Crewe Alexandra by the end of the campaign.
That being said, Tuesday's visitors were held to a goalless draw by relegation-favourites Carlisle United last time out, and such a disappointing result could weigh on the mind in midweek, especially considering that they have registered just two wins away from their own ground since November.
On the other hand, Cowley's side came from behind to beat league leaders Walsall earlier this month, and the character that they showed to seize all three points when Teddy Bishop and Owura Edwards fired them in front could serve them well going forward.
If Colchester were to secure another victory against Notts County, then they could climb two places in the table should results elsewhere prove favourable, though they will have to overcome their inconsistent away record if they are to walk away with the spoils.
Team News
© Imago
Notts County boss Maynard felt that his side's inability to convert chances cost them last time out, so he may make changes up front on Tuesday.
Conor Grant and Alassana Jatta started in a strike partnership against Port Vale, but given that he made a late appearance, Mai Traore could get the nod from kickoff in midweek.
Elsewhere, Curtis Edwards is likely to continue in his supporting role from attacking midfield, with wing-backs Kellan Gordon and Jacob Bedeau providing width.
As for Colchester, they are likely to be without midfielder Teddy Bishop after he was withdrawn late on against Carlisle with an injury.
In his absence, expect Arthur Read to start alongside Jamie McDonnell in the centre of the park, where the duo will protect Tom Flanagan and Fiacre Kelleher at the heart of defence.
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Bass; Johnson, Platt, McDonald; Gordon, Abbot, Palmer, Bedeau; Edwards; Traore, Grant
Colchester United possible starting lineup:
Macey; Egbo, Kelleher, Flanagan, Iandolo; McDonnell, Read; Anderson, Payne, Edwards; Taylor
We say: Notts County 2-1 Colchester United
Both sides will be confident of securing a positive result in midweek given their respective strong starts to 2025, so expect a close-fought contest.
However, Notts County will be feeling the pressure to keep up with their rivals increasing after losing last time out, and considering that Colchester have been mixed on the road, the Magpies are likely to take all three points.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
