Team News and Selection Headaches
Bottom-placed Barnet face significant squad challenges as they prepare to host Notts County in this weekend’s Sky Bet League Two encounter. The Bees will be without suspended midfielder Dan Sweeney for the second match of his three-game ban, following a controversial off-the-ball incident against Cheltenham earlier this month.
Manager Graham Westley’s injury list continues to grow, with goalkeeper Jamie Stephens still sidelined with a hamstring problem. Defensive stalwart Harry Taylor (metatarsal) and forward Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (knee) join long-term absentees Elliott Johnson and Dave Tarpey (both knee) on the treatment table. These absences could force Westley to field a makeshift lineup against a strong Notts County side.
Notts County’s Fitness Boost
In contrast to their hosts, Kevin Nolan’s Magpies are nearing full strength. Defender Elliott Hewitt, who missed the FA Cup replay at Swansea due to illness, has returned to training. Full-back Matt Tootle also made his comeback in a behind-closed-doors friendly this week, completing 70 minutes after nearly a month out with illness.
Goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons adds further options after serving his three-match suspension. Nolan told Banglawin: “Having nearly everyone available gives us real selection flexibility. We’ll need our squad depth during this busy period.”
Historical Context and Key Statistics
The historical data makes grim reading for Barnet supporters. The home team has won each of the last eight League Two meetings between these sides, with Notts County claiming five of those victories. The Magpies completed a league double over Barnet last season and began another with a 2-1 win at Meadow Lane earlier this campaign.
Key Opta stats reveal:
- Westley has never seen his team score in three home matches against Notts County (W0 D1 L2)
- County’s away form has dipped after a strong start (just 1 win in last 9 away games)
- Veteran striker Jon Stead has been involved in 6 of County’s last 9 league goals
Tactical Preview and Expert Predictions
Barnet‘s defensive vulnerabilities could be exposed against County’s attacking quality. With Sweeney suspended, the Bees lose midfield protection, potentially creating space for County’s creative players like Jorge Grant and Lewis Alessandra.
Former Nottingham Forest midfielder and Banglawin pundit David Prutton predicts an away win: “Barnet are in real trouble now and face one of the toughest tests in League Two. County need to respond after their FA Cup exit, and I expect them to do so with three points.”
Prutton’s predicted scoreline of 2-3 highlights the expected openness of the game, with both teams likely to prioritize attack given their respective league positions.
Conclusion: A Must-Win Game at Both Ends of the Table
This fixture represents a crucial moment in both clubs’ seasons. For Barnet, it’s a chance to stop the rot and begin an unlikely survival bid. For Notts County, three points could reignite their automatic promotion push after recent stumbles.
Banglawin will be providing live updates and post-match analysis of this intriguing League Two encounter. Will Barnet spring a surprise, or will County’s quality prevail? Share your predictions in the comments below!
