Notts County’s encounter with Gillingham marks the biggest game of the season so far.
The Magpies have a fantastic opportunity to close the gap on the sides outside the bottom four, as there are no other Sky Bet League 1 fixtures this weekend due to the second round of the FA Cup with Budweiser.
Both Notts and the Gills were knocked out of the tournament in the first stage, which led to the game being rearranged for this coming Saturday at Meadow Lane (3pm kick-off).
A victory would see County move within three points of 20th placed Sheffield United and provide a huge boost heading into the busy Christmas period.
First team manager Shaun Derry told the press: “These are the games now that are becoming more crucial and critical as the weeks go on.
“With the greatest respect to Gillingham this weekend, it’s a game that I’m more than hopeful that we’ll get a result out of.
“As soon as I came through the door I said that the performances needed to improve and they have improved.
“We were making a lot of mistakes in games and I’m looking at the games now, the last two or three in particular, and those mistakes are a lot less.
“I feel now that we’re kind of turning the corner, especially with the performances.”
He added: “They’re crunch games now and they’re down there for a reason as well.
“It’s up to me and Peter Taylor to beat the opposite person, but it’s up to the players as well.
“They need to realise what kind of game it’s going to be and what position we’re in.
“A reality of, hang on a minute, we’re six points adrift at the bottom of the league and these are games that we need to win – it’s as simple as that.”
To view the manager’s full pre-match press conference, sign in to Magpie Player.
Further coverage will be available in the Nottingham Post, Nottinghamshire Topper and as part of BBC Radio Nottingham’s pre-match show.
Make sure you join us for this important encounter and cheer on the Magpies from the stands. For full ticket details, click here.