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Nottingham Post
Nottingham Post
Sport
Oliver King

Notts County predicted line-up vs Chesterfield as Ruben Rodrigues replacement identified

Notts County's trip to the Technique Stadium is another key fixture in their quest for the National League title as they look to take advantage of Chesterfield's recent poor form.

The Magpies extended their unbeaten run in the league to 21 games with their latest victory over Torquay at Plainmoor last weekend, with a win this Saturday all-but-ending Paul Cook's side's aspirations of finishing inside the top two.

It has been a tough few weeks for the Spireites losing three consecutive matches in the league, their most recent coming at the hands of high-flying Woking who travel to Wrexham next Tuesday.

READ MORE: Luke Williams reveals his Notts County frustrations and explains Sam Slocombe's importance

Luke Williams can take a lot from Chesterfield's performance in midweek and will be keen to strike early on having seen the Spireites ship two goals in the opening eight minutes, but will have to do so without Ruben Rodrigues following his dismissal last weekend.

That position in attacking midfield has been the most talked about since the final whistle blew at Plainmoor, with many wondering how the Notts chief will line-up in Rodrigues' absence.

While the formation won't be changed, the number of options Williams has at his disposal is something that will give fans confidence.

Both Sam Austin and Jodi Jones have impressed in recent weeks, with the Oxford United loanee in particular catching the eye during his three substitute appearances since joining from the Kassam Stadium last month.

Jones often takes up clever positions in behind the opposition midfield, finding space to influence the game which was evident during their 2-1 win over Solihull Moors at the end of January and could be used to allow Adam Chicksen and Aaron Nemane space to attack out wide.

The only concern for most is the match fitness and sharpness of the 25-year-old, having suffered serious injuries in recent seasons and just returning to full fitness, so it will be interesting to see whether Williams opts to utilise him from the start or think his impact may be greater coming from the bench.

There is also the option of Cedwyn Scott from the start, with the Magpies' second top scorer this season reduced to substitute appearances of late, but has proved he can play in that slightly deeper role with his tireless work rate and eye for a goal.

Whoever is picked in that position, they will be given the task of supplying the National League's top scorer Macaulay Langstaff as he looks to add to his 24 goals this season.

And when asked about whether Rodrigues' absence would affect his side, he insisted that he is confident in the quality of players within the squad to produce a good performance against the Spireites.

"Definitely, in training we play 11 v 11 and we know what the gaffer wants, so the players are drilled into doing that," Langstaff said.

"We have to continue where Ruben left off and you see some of the quality that we have got - we brought in Jodi and you see the quality that he has, he's been unbelievable since he has come in.

"And like we saw with Cedwyn the other day, he was unbelievable coming off the bench and his work rate was unbelievable.

"So, whoever fills in for Ruben is going to continue where he left off and put in a really good performance, I'm sure."

Another key role in that midfield is who will partner Matty Palmer from the start.

John Bostock's recent outings have showcased the experience and quality many expected when arriving at Meadow Lane, with his contributions in the last two games pivotal in claiming maximum points.

But there is also the option of Jim O'Brien who has enjoyed another fantastic campaign, and his experience of this fixture could sway Williams' decision - either way they are both excellent options to bring off the bench should they either need to chase a goal or defend a lead.

This weekend also provides a welcome boost for the Magpies in the defensive department, with Williams confirming that both Richard Brindley and Tobi Adebayo-Rowling are in contention to return to the matchday squad for the trip to the Technique Stadium.

Brindley has not played since Notts' 1-1 draw against Boreham Wood at the start of January, while Adebayo-Rowling has not featured since December after picking up an injury in training just as he was picking up a bit of form.

This allows Geraldo Bajrami the opportunity to feature further forward as he did so influentially at the start of the season, providing the Notts boss with another midfield option to pick from.

And while both Brindley and Adebayo-Rowling's eases the recent defensive injury worries, it is hard to see them come straight into the fold given the imperious form of both Connell Rawlinson and Nemane in their absence.

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

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

SUBS: Brindley, Adebayo-Rowling, Bajrami, O'Brien, Scott.

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