All Guns Blazing

Phil Parkinson was understandably disappointed with his team's performance at Exeter and would have been stung by the reaction of some of the travelling fans at the end of the game.



If his team are to deliver they will have to overcome a Notts County side who have plenty of goals in them. The Magpies beat Yeovil 4-0 last Saturday and number the prolific Lee Hughes in their ranks.

Parkinson may be thinking of shuffling his pack in an effort to create more chances. Genuine opportunities have been at a premium in recent matches despite having an abundance of talented players at his disposal.

Rob Elliot will continue in goal and with Christian Dailly sidelined for a month, he is likely to have an unchanged back four in front of him. Simon Francis has his critics but his height will always be an advantage and the manager is unlikely to replace him with Chris Solly.

Similarly, Miguel Llera is liked by the manager and adds natural balance to the team with his left footedness, though Jon Fortune is another option. Matt Fry could be retained at left-back.

The balance in midfield has not been right with Semedo and McCormack duplicating each others talents rather than complimenting them. If Johnnie Jackson's achilles niggle has settled down sufficiently for him to start he may slot in alongside Semedo to add creativity in the middle. Racon is another option though his creative talents have dried up somewhat of recent times. Martin is another who could influence things from a central area but he is more likely to be deployed on the right.

As long as his tight hamstring has eased, Kyel Reid will start on the left. Up front, Abbott and Benson will continue their quest to score their first league goals of the season. Akpo Sodje is none the worse for the collision at Exeter and will be fit enough for bench duties. Joe Anyinsah had a fine game in a reserve friendly in midweek and is likely to play some part.

Phil was upbeat and bullish about the game with Notts County and promised to send a fired up team out:

'We're not used to suffering two defeats in a row. When you do lose back-to-back games, it hurts everybody and we want to put that right on Saturday. We want to come out all guns blazing straight from the first whistle," said Parkinson.

Reid and Jackson are expected to shake off niggles while Dailly will be sidelined for a month. Akpo Sodje has recovered from his head injury.

Lee Hughes wil be hoping to continue his scoring run at The Valley.

Paul Tierney from Lancahire will be in charge.

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