Notts County vs Carlisle Predictions

It has often been said that managers don’t get enough time in the modern game for them to stamp their authority on a team and build the sort of side they want, an accusation which you can definitely apply to Notts County this season. Although we are just 19 games into the season, they are already looking for their third permanent manager of the season, but before they can continue that search they face the difficult prospect of welcoming Carlisle United to Meadow Lane.

Under the stewardship of former boss Kevin Nolan, County looked like they had an excellent summer in the transfer market and were well fancied to go on and win the League Two title. However, it was a poor start to the campaign and Nolan soon found himself looking for new employment. County then turned to another former player who was still learning his trade as they brought in Harry Kewell from Crawley, but his inability to stem the tide soon found him out of the door too. So what now for County? There is clearly a talented squad to be utilised but if they are to start climbing away from the danger zone then they will have to improve on a defensive record which has seen them with an average of 2.11 goals per game in the league this season.

Making the trip to Meadow Lane is a Carlisle United who have had a start which just about matched expectations but they have shown that they may possess the quality to kick on and challenge for the play-off places. Although the Cumbrians have been average on home soil, they have been a bit better when away from home and the 16 point return they have managed on the road so far this season is the joint second best away record in League Two.

With Notts County only claiming one win in their last 10 matches in all competitions, and even that coming in the Checkatrade Trophy, it is hard to make a case for them to claim the win. That, coupled with Carlisle’s excellent form on the road, suggests to us that backing an away win is the way to go. However, given that County will be looking for a response to losing their manager, we think that adding the safety net of ‘Draw – No Bet’ is the smartest play.