Preview: Mansfield Town vs. Bradford City - prediction, team news, lineups

Both teams head into the game on 27 points from 16 games, looking to close the gap on the top three.

Match preview

Mansfield saw a 10-game unbeaten home run come to an end ruthlessly against Swindon Town, when the Robins twice came from behind on their way to a comprehensive 5-2 victory.

The result means that Town are now three league games without a win, but they did enjoy a trip north to Barrow in the FA Cup on Saturday when Oliver Hawkins's scrappy effort in the first half helped them to progress to the next round.

There has not been any hangover from the defeat they suffered at the hands of Port Vale in the playoff final back in May, with Mansfield being one of the league's top scorers at this stage of the season - only Northampton Town and Leyton Orient have scored more.

They have conceded the most goals amongst teams in the top half, though, with only Crawley Town conceding more at home than Nigel Clough's men.

However, Mansfield have kept five clean sheets this season, with the five goals they conceded against Swindon creating a false sense of defensive frailty among the backline.

Mark Hughes's Bradford are right in contention after years of making up the numbers in the fourth tier.

Lately, though, things have not been going their way, with just two wins in seven games in the league, and the Bantams are out of the FA Cup after defeat to Yorkshire rivals Harrogate Town at the weekend.

Matty Daly's calm finish inside the opening 10 minutes was enough to win the game for the visitors.

Bradford have drawn their last three games, but have been exceptionally good away from home, with only Grimsby Town, Salford City and Orient winning more on their travels than Hughes's side.

The last away win came at Salford in October, which was one of two away clean sheets this season.

With the race playoffs being typically tight, either of these two teams could create a three-point gap to the other with victory, which could prove vital towards the end of the season.

Mansfield Town League Two form:

D

W

W

L

D

L

Mansfield Town form (all competitions):

W

W

L

D

L

W

Bradford City League Two form:

W

L

W

D

D

D

Bradford City form (all competitions):

W

L

D

D

D

L

Team News

Mansfield have Hiram Boateng back in contention after he served his one-game suspension for his red card against Swindon, so he could force his way back into the starting lineup.

Jordan Bowery could partner Lucas Akins up front, and there is a decision to make in defence with James Perch back after he was suspended for the last league game.

Andy Cook missed the FA Cup defeat at the weekend, but he should be back to take his place from Lee Angol.

That could be the only change they make, with Jamie Walker, Liam Ridehalgh and Emmanuel Osadebe still out injured, with the latter still recovering from surgery in July.

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:

Pym; Perch, Hawkins, Hewitt; Gordon, Maris, Boateng, Quinn, Bowery; Lapslie, Akins

Bradford City possible starting lineup:

Lewis; Halliday, Platt, Crichlow, Foulds; Smallwood, Gilliead; Pereira, Chapman, Wright; Cook

We say: Mansfield Town 1-1 Bradford City

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