On Saturday, March 28, Harrogate Town will face Notts County in a critical League Two match. The game is scheduled to kick off at 12.30 PM GMT at Exercise Stadium in Harrogate. Both teams have distinct objectives, with Harrogate battling relegation and Notts County pushing for automatic promotion.
Match Preview: Harrogate vs Notts County
Harrogate Town finds itself in a challenging position, currently sitting second-bottom in League Two. With only 12 points earned from 19 home matches, they hold the lowest total in the division. The Sulphurites have struggled significantly, having recorded just one victory at home since September and only managing 29 goals all season, making them the lowest-scoring team in the league.
In contrast, Notts County aims to regain momentum after a disappointing midweek loss to Oldham. Before that setback, the Magpies had been in good form, defeating Cheltenham 5-2 and securing a 4-0 victory against Accrington Stanley. Despite suffering a red card setback, they remain contenders for a promotion spot.
Key Statistics
- Harrogate has the fewest home points in League Two.
- They scored only 29 goals, the lowest in the division.
- Notts County has 65 goals, second only to MK Dons.
- Harrogate has won just once at home since September.
- County is unbeaten in their last four encounters with Harrogate, winning three.
Team News and Line-ups
Harrogate will likely adjust their lineup due to an injury to defender Chanse Headman, who sustained an injury in their last game. Lewis Cass is anticipated to fill in his position, while Stephen Duke-McKenna could return to the starting XI.
Predicted Harrogate Line-up (4-2-3-1):
- Oxley; Cass, Heffernan, Gibson, Slater; Morris, Evans; Taylor, Hill, Duke-McKenna; Muldoon.
Notts County expects to welcome back top scorer Matthew Dennis to the starting lineup. However, they will be without midfielder Ollie Norburn, suspended after receiving a second red card this month.
Predicted Notts County Line-up (3-4-3):
- Belshaw; Macari, Ness, Bedeau; Tsaroulla, Browne, Palmer, Jones; Grant, Jatta, Dennis.
Betting Odds and Predictions
In terms of betting, Harrogate’s odds stand at 11-4, while Notts County is favored at 10-11. The draw is positioned at 23-10. Given their form and objective for promotion, experts lean towards a Notts County victory as the best bet for this matchup. It’s worth considering additional bets such as under 3 goals, and Matthew Dennis as an anytime goalscorer.
This matchup promises to be crucial for both clubs, with Harrogate in dire need of points to escape relegation and Notts County chasing a spot in the top three.
