With just 24 hours to go until one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in National League history gets underway, Notts County boss Luke Williams will be continuously brainstorming as to who will be selected to start at the Racecourse Ground on Monday afternoon.
The Magpies returned to the top of the table with their 3-0 win over Wealdstone on Good Friday, leapfrogging Wrexham in the process after Phil Parkinson's side suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Halifax Town.
But with the outcome of tomorrow's encounter holding huge significance as to which one of these incredible sides will claim that one automatic spot, getting the team selection right could prove pivotal.
READ MORE: Luke Williams keen to strike right balance in Wrexham preparations as Notts County prediction made
Four players were absent from the win over Stuart Maynard's side - Ruben Rodrigues and Geraldo Bajrami rested as precautions while Sam Slocombe and Junior Morias continue their respective returns from injury.
It leaves the Magpies head coach with the difficult decision as to who will start in several positions, most notably in goal. Having replaced Slocombe during Notts' 4-0 win over Scunthorpe last month, Norwich City loanee Archie Mair has impressed, keeping two clean sheets in his first two league starts for the club.
His calmness and accuracy in possession have mirrored that of the usual number one, producing a huge save from the penalty spot during the 2-0 win away to Altrincham. Many predict the 22-year-old to keep his place, but I believe if Slocombe is available to Williams, a player of that experience is needed in a game of this magnitude and would get the nod.
It will be interesting to see whether Williams names a substitute goalkeeper on the bench as he has done in three of the last four fixtures, or whether he takes the risk to use that place on the bench for an outfield player that could potentially affect the game.
Two changes were made in defence for the win over the Stones, with Bajrami and Connell Rawlinson replaced by Aden Baldwin and Richard Brindley. Both performed well and were rarely tested on the afternoon, and Williams could be inclined to keep with the same back three that earned a 16th clean sheet of the season.
It was timely minutes for both having suffered recently with injury - Good Friday's fixture was the first time in almost three months that Brindley last started a game for the Magpies, which could bear some significance with the team selection given Rawlinson's recent form and arguably edging that match sharpness.
Bajrami can count himself unlucky not to feature after his recent performances and finding that confidence that had been lacking, but his versatility can offer Williams yet another option in midfield or defence should Notts need to see the game out in the closing stages, with Wrexham's firepower in the final third something that needs to be nullified to ensure that three points return to Meadow Lane.
With Rodrigues rested after coming off early in the second half during the win at the J. Davidson Stadium, he looks set to return into midfield, in my opinion, to replace Jodi Jones. The on-loan Oxford United man has been an impressive acquisition by the club, but his influence on the game against Wealdstone was minimal.
It would be extremely harsh to drop Sam Austin following yet another quality display as he notched his third league goal of the season, and you feel as though his tireless energy is readymade for a fixture of this magnitude. For me, he keeps his place alongside Rodrigues, with their willing running and endless productivity crucial if the Magpies are to get something from the game - Jones also provides a good option from the bench along with the return of Cedwyn Scott.
It may seem slightly harsh to drop Frank Vincent from the matchday squad all together given his recent resurgence and a goal during his latest appearance, but feel as though Williams may look to lean on more of his experienced players to get his side over the line and take one giant step towards the National League title.
Do you agree with our predicted line-up? Let us know in the comments section.
Notts County predicted line-up: Slocombe; Cameron, Baldwin, Rawlinson, Chicksen, Nemane; Bostock, Palmer; Rodrigues, Austin, Langstaff.
SUBS: Brindley, Bajrami, O'Brien, Jones, Scott.
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