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

The away side are on a three-game unbeaten run of their own, currently sitting 14th in the table.

Match preview

After suffering playoff final heartbreak against Port Vale at Wembley last season, Mansfield have so far bounced back well, not letting the defeat negatively impact this campaign.

The Stags are fifth in the League Two standings, three points off third-placed Northampton Town, with a game in hand also to their disposal.

Unbeaten in the league since losing away against Sutton United at the end of August, Nigel Clough's side have won four and drawn two of their last six league games, and are now looking to make a push for the automatic promotion places.

Also to Mansfield's advantage is their home record so far this season, unbeaten at the One Call Stadium with a record of three wins and two draws on home soil.

However, The Stags have been just as impressive away from home in recent times, winning their last three matches on the road, most recently securing a 1-0 win at promotion hopefuls Barrow courtesy of Jordan Bowery's first goal of the season.

As such, the home side will be heading into the game full of confidence, and eager to get another win on the board so that they do not have to go through the playoffs to win promotion this time around.

Walsall have enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence in recent times, picking up seven points from their last three games after going on an 11-game winless run in all competitions.

A late draw away at Stockport County was followed up with two wins at the Poundland Stadium, meaning The Saddlers are now just five points adrift of the playoffs, highlighting how quickly a team's outlook can change in League Two.

With Mansfield in such good form however, Michael Flynn's side will need to show an improvement away from home if they are to get anything from the game, having only won once on the road all season.

Even when they were struggling to win games, Walsall did not let in more than two goals in a League Two outing, managing to keep it tight at the back despite poor performances.

Having only conceded 12 goals all season, the same amount as their opponents, The Saddlers will need to show a resolute defensive display once more if they are to get anything out of Saturday's tough game.

Mansfield Town League Two form:

W

D

W

W

D

W

Mansfield Town form (all competitions):

W

L

W

D

W

W

Walsall League Two form:

D

L

L

D

W

W

Walsall form (all competitions):

L

L

L

D

W

W

Team News

Mansfield midfielder Stephen McLaughlin limped off with a knee injury in the win against Barrow last weekend, and may struggle to return before Saturday's game.

Riley Harbottle also had to be withdrawn early last time out, suffering an ankle issue, but he is not too badly hurt and it is looking promising to all be sorted before the weekend.

Gordon Kellan is back running in training and may get some minutes, while midfielder Anthony Hartigan has made big steps towards recovery after a dislocated shoulder, and should be involved in the match.

For Walsall, Danny Johnson will be a big miss, with the striker who has already notched eight goals this campaign unable to play against his parent club.

In his absence, Tom Knowles is likely to get the nod in attack after scoring the third goal on Saturday, his fourth goal contribution of the season.

Jack Earing is also still unavailable for The Saddlers, still struggling with an Achilles issue sustained against Tranmere Rovers.

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:

Pym; Hewitt, Hawkins, Harbottle; Perch, Quinn, Clarke, Maris, Lapslie; Bowery, Akins

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Evans; White, Daniels, Monthe; Bennett, Kinsella, Hutchinson, Comley, Allen; James-Taylor, Knowles

We say: Mansfield Town 2-1 Walsall

Mansfield are on a brilliant run of form and we expect them to continue that here with a narrow victory. Walsall have been impressive in recent matches, but they will struggle with the absence of Danny Johnson.

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