Notts County look to regain momentum as the Magpies welcome Southend United to Meadow Lane

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With just one win from their last four games in all competitions, Notts County host Southend United as the hosts look to use a brief December period to build momentum ahead of the New Year.

Ian Burchnall’s side come into this fixture off the back of a 2-1 win at home to Dagenham and Redbridge almost two weeks ago and are enjoying extended breaks between fixtures with just four fixtures remaining this month.

The 38-year-old gave his thoughts on how these pauses between matches have allowed his players to rest and recover.

“Really useful actually, we had a lot of games where we were going ‘Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Tuesday,’ I think that gives the lads a chance to recover a bit and mentally rest.

“We’ve certainly been back on it in training now and ready to go.”

Despite Southend currently residing just above the relegation zone, the County boss has warned his players not to underestimate the opposition after an encouraging last two results for the Shrimpers.

“It’s a big club that has come down and it isn’t always easy to bounce straight back up – you’re on that downward path and it can be difficult to break it. But in the last couple of games, they’ve beaten Altrincham and then they’ve drawn (on Tuesday night), so they are starting to pick a few points up.

“I’m sure they will come here and be difficult to beat and break down, and try to be compact in an away game. I would imagine that they are not going to want to open up the game very much.”

This week, Notts County welcomed highly-rated full-back Jayden Richardson on a month-long loan from Nottingham Forest.

We've welcomed @NFFC's @JRichardson2_ to Meadow Lane on a month's loan ?

— Notts County FC (@Official_NCFC) December 7, 2021

Aaron Nemane is still expected to miss the fixture with a suspected fractured hand after the midfielder underwent an X-ray procedure two weeks ago.

Ruben Rodrigues is at risk of suspension with the Portuguese forward picking up four yellow cards this season and will look to keep a low profile to avoid another booking.

As for the visitors, Southend United manager Kevin Maher is optimistic to have John White and Abu Ogogo available for the trip.

“John [White] had his injection on Thursday and it needs five days to clear so hopefully he’s OK to be available,” said Maher. Abu [Ogogo] has been training and hopefully he’s available too.”

However, Josh Coulson, Jack Bridge and Simeon Akinola will continue their respective spells on the sidelines for the Shrimpers.

Despite a disappointing beginning to the season, the Shrimpers boss believes his side can never go around ‘feeling like underdogs’ despite their relegation from League Two last season.

“A club like us should never be going to places feeling like underdogs and that will never be the case while I’m here,” he said. “But we have to understand where we are and where they are in the league.

“Having the right game plan to get a result is going to be important.”

Notts County currently sit seventh in the National League but will look for an important three points on Saturday to boost their play-off hopes.