So with the nerves and excitement kicking in ahead of the season opener at Meadow Lane, thought I would see how our opponents setup and who are their danger men ahead of the fixture. 

United have added to their squad well in the summer adding a few big names in league two. Frank Nouble, Harry Pell and Luke Norris being all big names that I expect to start in the season opener. Sammie Szmodics is also a big name in their squad who was important to keep hold of. I think they will setup a 3-5-2 formation with Szmodics playing in the CAM role with Norris and Nouble up top which is by no means an easy strike force to control. 

Notts still look week in defence and I do think a keeper is needed before the start of the season. Our defence has not got the strength to deal with Nouble but Norris should be kept quiet if played. In this match I think we  have got to attack to defend, if they play a 3-5-2 then this leaves gaps all over the pitch for Hemmings, Dennis and Boldewjin to run riot. Think this will be a high scoring game myself, 2-2 or 3-2 Notts. 

Nolan seemed in doubt after Luton so he needs to ensure his match tactics are executed and delivered by the players. Be interesting to see what version of Notts turns up and to see if the players have had enough game time in pre-season to gel. This is where it counts now and every point matters. Also I hope if we score we have got out of this habit of hanging on a 1 goal lead as we lost too many points to sitting back last season. 

Let me know your thoughts?

Luke Norris is a clever player at this level, I always rated him when he played for Gillingham and Swindon. He will be a big threat against Notts on Saturday, as will Frank Nouble who is a threat with the ball from distance and up close.

I'm not overly concerned by the threats of Colchester, I think Notts could pin them back and retain the ball well.

Provided they move forward and only pass back to make space in front of them, hoofing would make the game scrappy but if we pass quickly and confident - I think the pressure will cause Colchester to panic.

Ah, here we go again

Just don't lose. All I ask 

Possession is the main thing for Notts and what they do with it, the squad has to be knocking on Colchester's door and they cannot hold back.

If we can go 1-0 up, push for a second and then shut up shop.

1 hour ago, ARLukomski said:

Ah, here we go again

Just don't lose. All I ask 

Think possitive mate 

Bring it on I can’t wait ... no fear just play the game 

2 hours ago, Magic magpie said:

Think possitive mate 

Always been a glass half empty person

19 minutes ago, ARLukomski said:

Always been a glass half empty person

So have I mate but things got to change at some point 

think notts needs to get off to a flying start but i would accept a draw if the performance was there. colchester wont be push overs, so notts will have to work hard.

I can see the game ending 0-0.

Provided we play well and create chances I think that would be a positive, things will take time to come but I would love it if we thrashed them. I just don't see it happening TBH.

I would like to see Notts start well but its the first game, it may take time and I think the above post nails it.

I hope to see some good football played on the ground when they can, wingers beating their men and supplying good crosses for Hemmings and Dennis to finish. Fingers crossed.

Notts should play the ball on the deck rather than in the air, it should be a good game.

I think it will be a close game but Notts should have enough to win. I suppose it depends on the chances and who takes them.

Notts should play well 

Colchester are a decent side 

2-1 notts

I hope Notts will win and try to keep the ball on the deck, don't want to be going home with a crick in my neck from too much hoofball, thank you Notts. Him of the "green jersey" from across the bridge used to say "If football was meant to be played in the air, the sky would be green" Maybe Kevin should remind the players of this. COYP

I am confident that Notts can start the season off well, it might be slow at first but its all about confidence at this stage. I feel if things go Notts way they will make the most of the 90 minutes and claim a victory.

It's all about what the players do when they don't have the ball.

A solid start to the season would bring a lot of excitement and, the whole 'feel-good' factor could return. Picking up from where the club left last season would be very promising to see, yet the first game is always a difficult one.

My team.

              Fitzsimons

Tootle, Duffy, Brisley, Jones

Boldewijn, Vaughan, Thomas

                Hewitt

         Dennis, Hemmings

I think the score will be 2-1 Notts.

@Chris maybe Noor Husin further up would work better?

Kevin Nolan might plan to put in more pace into the starting lineup.

He may also not risk Kristian Dennis but I would hope him and Kane Hemmings start. I think the game will close too, probably 1-0 to Notts.

Just win Notts.

Get the season off to a good start and let the fans cheer you on. It would be a dampener to see the first home game for many of a season start with a loss. 

1 hour ago, B&Wstripes said:

@Chris maybe Noor Husin further up would work better?

I do think Elliot Hewitt would work there, though Noor Husin brings something different.

The formation can easily revert to 4-4-2 which would be another plus for starting with Hewitt because he works harder in my opinion.

3-1 to notts is my scored prediction.

start off slowly but notts to take the lead just before the first half.

Get off to a good start please Notts, a win Saturday would be an excellent start to the new season.

I think the fitness of the squad has not been to level it should be, either that or the training has been taking it out of the players.

Colchester will a good test of what the standard of League Two will be like this season, Notts will have to match them and out perform them if we are to get the win. I think it could end up a 2-2 draw.