After York City extended their impressive unbeaten run to five games following a 1-1 draw with Scunthorpe, debatably the toughest test of the season so far visits the LNER Community Stadium, in the form of title contenders Notts County.
The Minstermen have had a surprisingly better start to the campaign than many anticipated, losing just two out of nine, and since their last defeat, they haven't looked back, and continue to push on in the playoff race, whilst boasting the second best defence in the division.
Equal to them, The Magpies have started the season well, keeping 4th place warm, no less than expected of them, as County look to challenge for the title.
A disappointing, and first defeat of the season brought Notts back down to reality, as Dorking took advantage of poor defending and claimed a famous 3-1 win on home turf. It appeared to be 'just one of those days' for County, but time will soon tell when they pay a visit to York.
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Team News
Gus Mafuta appeared on the City starting eleven for the first time against Scunthorpe following an injury, and will hope to see more game time in front of a bumper crowd this weekend.
Luke James also made a return from an opening day injury, but only making the bench, which is a good start in getting back to full fitness. Right-back Michael Duckworth, who was also sidelined after scoring on matchday one, is yet to come back into contention.
Fellow full-back Adam Crookes remains out of action, and it still could be a while before York's summer signing can be ruled fit to play again.
Solid defender Maxim Kouogun, sent off last week after receiving a second yellow, has served his one-match suspension and is set to start against Notts County.
The visitors have similarly a few injuries to note, and a rare occurrence for County, a goalkeeper was placed on the bench for their recent game.
Left wing-back Joel Taylor is out with an injury, but may soon be returning to training.
Richard Brindley, a key part of Notts' defence, has been missing since being substituted off against Aldershot last week, and centre-half Aden Baldwin is similarly sidelined for the current period.
Most significantly, Sam Austin, who signed from Kidderminster during the Summer, and has made a sensational start to life in central midfield at Meadow Lane, has been ruled out recently for The Magpies, and is a big miss, however there is some hope he will make the bench for the upcoming game.
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Likely Lineups
York City
Ross, Fallowfield, Kouogun, Kerr, Sanders, Hancox, Pybus, Dyson, Kouhyar, John-Lewis, Hurst
Slocombe, Nemane, Rawlinson, Bajrami, Cameron, Chicksen, Palmer, O'Brien, Rodrigues, Scott, Langstaff
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Key Players
It's not often you see a goalkeeper listed as the key player in a side, but York City's shot stopper Ethan Ross has never been in better form. After signing on loan from Stockport prior to pre-season, Ross had high expectations to live up to, after fan favourite Pete Jameson left behind his legacy at York, moving to League Two Harrogate in the process.
However, the 6ft 4in 'keeper has more than lived up to them, claiming man of the match in City's last two consecutive matches, and has achieved three clean sheets to date this season. Additionally, The Minstermen have the joint-second best defence in the league, which Ross has played a huge part in.
National League North's top scorer last season, Macaulay Langstaff is back in the top tier of non-league, and is Notts County's threatening frontman for the 22/23 campaign. The striker has already set the tone, netting ten goals in just nine games, including three braces and a hat-trick.
Langstaff will be in hope that he can grab a goal or two against his former club York City on Saturday, and get The Magpies back on track after a first defeat.
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Match Details
Where is the game being played?
York City's LNER Community Stadium will host this game. The most modern National League stadium holds 8,500 and was opened in 2021. This is, in fact, Notts County's second visit after recording a 1-0 win over The Minstermen in their centenary game, in pre-season (re-match of York's first ever match).
What time is kick-off?
The game kicks off at the regular time of 3pm.
How can I watch?
There is no way to stream the game - the only way to watch it is by purchasing a ticket. Live commentary will be provided on both BBC Radio York and York Hospital Radio, with both clubs and Jorvik Radio tweeting out live updates throughout.