Barnet v Notts County preview
Friday 9 February 2018 13:40, UK
Bottom club Barnet will once again be without suspended midfielder Dan Sweeney as they prepare to host Notts County in Sky Bet League Two.
Sweeney serves the second game of a three-match ban after he was punished retrospectively for an off-the-ball incident against Cheltenham a fortnight ago.
Bees goalkeeper Jamie Stephens is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while defender Harry Taylor (metatarsal) and forward Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (knee) are also out.
Left-back Elliott Johnson and striker Dave Tarpey (both knee) remain long-term absentees. Notts County boss Kevin Nolan is hoping Elliott Hewitt and Matt Tootle return to give him a fully-fit squad to choose from. Hewitt missed the FA Cup replay at Swansea after picking up a virus at the team hotel in south Wales.
Tootle has been out for nearly a month through illness but played in a behind-closed-doors game on Tuesday for 70 minutes. Goalkeeper Ross Fitzsimons is available again after serving a three-match ban.
Opta stats
The home side has won each of the last eight meetings between these two sides in League Two, with Barnet winning three to Notts County's five in those matches.
The Magpies have won each of the last two encounters between these two teams, including a 2-1 win at Meadow Lane earlier this season. They last won three consecutive games against Barnet in the EFL in January 2006.
Graham Westley has managed three home league matches against Notts County and failed to see his side score in any (W0 D1 L2).
Since winning four of their first five League Two away games this season (L1), the Magpies have won just one of the next nine (W1 D5 L3).
Jon Stead has been directly involved in six of Notts County's last nine league goals (four goals, two assists).
Prutton's prediction
Barnet are heading towards real trouble in League Two now and are looking like they may get cut adrift. They face Notts County on Saturday and there aren't too many tougher games for them in that league.
County's form has dropped off a little of late. They were right up there with Luton a few weeks back but have now dropped back into the melee behind them. They'll be desperate for all three points on Saturday, especially after their FA Cup result in midweek, and I think they'll get them.
David Prutton predicts: 2-3 (28/1 with Sky Bet)
