League One Preview: Duo aiming to inspire Notts County revival, Alexander back at Preston

Paul Hart and Mick Halsall will be eager to make an instant impact when they take charge of Notts County for the first time in Saturday’s crunch clash with fellow League One strugglers Scunthorpe United at Meadow Lane.

Former Nottingham Forest manager Hart and ex-Peterborough United boss Halsall have stepped in on a temporary basis after County parted company with Shaun Derry and his assistant Greg Abbott on Monday.

It remains to be seen how long acting academy manager Hart and head of academy coaching Halsall will lead the club, but the former is the bookmakers’ favourite to land the job on a permanent basis.

The vastly experience Hart will do his chances of being named permanent boss no harm at all if he inspires a victory over a Scunthorpe side just two places above County, who are directly above the relegation zone.

Preston North End legend Graham Alexander can expect a rousing reception when he takes his Fleetwood Town side to Deepdale on Sunday.

Alexander made over 400 appearances for Preston in two spells at the club, but will be attempting to put a spanner in the works in his former club’s bid to secure automatic promotion.

Second-placed Preston are unbeaten in 10 league matches and hold a three-point lead over Swindon Town, who occupy third spot, while Fleetwood are still in the hunt for a play-off spot.

Leaders Bristol City lifted the Football League trophy last weekend and hold a 10-point lead at the top of the table ahead of a home clash with play-off hopefuls Barnsley, managed by former City midfielder Lee Johnson.

Swindon and Preston have a game in hand on Steve Cotterill’s men and the former will attempt to secure a fourth successive win when they host MK Dons on Saturday.

Sheffield United and Peterborough will be striving to move a step closer to securing a play-off spot when they entertain Crewe Alexandra and Coventry City respectively.

Bottom side Yeovil Town are in desperate need of a win when they travel to Rochdale and the same goes for Leyton Orient against Port Vale at Brisbane Road.

Dean Saunders’ resurgent Crawley Town side will be eyeing a fourth win in a row at home to Gillingham, Bradford City face Oldham Athletic and Chesterfield take on Walsall.