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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County predicted line-up vs Bromley as Aden Baldwin absence analysed

Notts County's National League title credentials will be once again tested as they travel to Hayes Lane, a ground they have failed to win at since their drop to the fifth tier.

The Magpies travel down to Kent on the back of their second defeat of the season suffered at the hands of Dagenham and Redbridge last weekend, with Luke Williams tasked with filling a gap in his defence.

Following the defeat at Meadow Lane, defender Aden Baldwin was shown a straight red card for dissent towards referee Lewis Smith after the full time whistle, meaning he will be suspended for the next two fixtures in the league - starting with the game against Andy Woodman's side.

READ MORE: The importance of away form explained by Luke Williams ahead of another Notts County away day

With the return of Richard Brindley still yet to be determined after the Notts boss confirmed the 29-year-old is still suffering from an ongoing back injury, it leaves Williams with two recognised central defenders in captain Kyle Cameron and Connell Rawlinson.

But the versatility of Geraldo Bajrami has been utilised throughout the season, deployed normally on the right of the back three, as was seen in their 4-1 win over Yeovil last month, with Rawlinson moving over to the middle of the defence.

While it was far from the fine performances we have become accustomed to seeing from the Albanian this campaign, he looks set to return to the starting line-up having started just twice in the last seven matches.

But another option that could be explored is that of Adam Chicksen having played in that position under Ian Burchnall - but you feel as though his influence on the eventual result will surely benefit from him operating in the left-wing back role that has seen him hit double figures for the first time in his professional career.

That being said, if Williams was to use the Zimbabwean in that back three, the versatility of his squad has been highlighted specifically in that wing-back role - with several potential options by no means weakening the side.

Jodi Jones, Sam Austin, and Frank Vincent have all produced encouraging cameo appearances in that role, and it could be an option the Magpies chief could call upon as kick-off grows closer. Newest recruit Connor Lemonheigh-Evans has also shown he has the capabilities to operate in that position, but Williams explained his minutes are still being managed having not played regular first-team football prior to his move to Meadow Lane.

Questions were asked following full-time last Saturday about Williams' team selection from the start, with the Notts boss opting for Jim O'Brien ahead of Austin despite netting his first two league goals the week prior during their 4-1 win over Southend.

While the Magpies chief admitted in hindsight the decision was perhaps the wrong one, there was no denying the impact Austin made once introduced - and with a week to prepare and nurse the issue of fatigue concerning the 26-year-old, the midfielder looks set for a return to provide that energy in the middle of the park.

With the news concerning Tobi Adebayo-Rowling confirming that he requires surgery on the injury picked up against Barnet, there could be a return for Joel Taylor on the Magpies bench to provide that defensive cover. Having been named in the matchday squad for the first time since returning from his loan spell from the Daggers earlier in the season against the Shrimpers - and with the current state of the defensive injuries, this could be his opportunity to claim a regular place in the Saturday 16.

Cedwyn Scott also looks set to return to action after missing the last three games with a shoulder injury, further bolstering Williams' attacking options ahead of a must-win fixture in the National League title race.

Do you agree with our predicted line-up? Let us know in the comments section.

Notts County predicted line-up: Slocombe; Cameron, Rawlinson, Bajrami; Chicksen, Bostock, Palmer, Nemane; Austin, Rodrigues, Langstaff.

SUBS: Taylor, O'Brien, Jones, Scott, Lemonheigh-Evans.

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