Notts County v Barnet: National League playoff semi-final preview and free tips

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Notts County v Barnet in the National League playoff semi-finals on Saturday.

Where to watch

Live on BT Sport 1, 5pm Saturday

Best bet

Notts County draw no bet
1pt 8-11 Betfred, Sky Bet

Match preview

Notts County haven’t had the benefit of a recent match that visitors Barnet have, but their squad depth makes them worth supporting in their National League playoff semi-final at Meadow Lane.

The Magpies had won five consecutive matches when the season was cut short in March and Neal Ardley has had enough time to get his team in prime shape for this playoff clash.

County, who were relegated from the Football League for the first time in their 157-year history despite being League Two title favourites in 2018-19, are too big for this level and their stature has allowed them to retain the bulk of their key assets.

The Magpies finished nine points higher than Barnet in the National League table and it is not difficult to see why. Their attacking options include Enzio Boldewijn, Kristian Dennis, Wes Thomas and Kyle Wooton, who are all proven fourth-tier performers.

Jim O’Brien and captain Michael Doyle provide valuable experience in midfield and it would be somewhat of a disappointment if they can’t secure promotion at the first time of asking given the strength they possess.

Notts County lost only two of their 20 home league games, winning seven of their final nine, and they appear to have clicked under Ardley who has recruited well and got the Magpies believing in themselves again.

Barnet were convincing 2-0 winners at Yeovil last weekend and may have benefited from that outing, but taking on this Notts County side is a far more daunting task.

Key stat

Barnet have won only six of their last 18 away league games.

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