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

The Stags, on the other hand, are looking for their second win on the spin, after recording a win away at Hartlepool United on Thursday night.

Match preview

Walsall have very much started to improve in recent weeks, losing just one of their last 10 matches in all competitions, a run that leaves them 13th in the league standings.

Being just three points off the League Two playoffs is a much rosier complexion than the one Michael Flynn's side were faced with after a 2-1 loss away to Sunday's opponents back in October.

Mansfield ran out 2-1 winners on that day, with Liam Bennett scoring the solitary goal for the Saddlers, in a match where the result left them closer to the relegation zone than the top seven.

Last time out, Walsall lost 2-0 at home to Stockport, with the visitors having more possession and shots on goal, running out deserved winners on the night in what was a rare home defeat for their opponents.

The Saddlers have the sixth-best home record in League Two this season and were undefeated at the Poundland Bescot Stadium since a clash against Tranmere Rovers in September prior to Thursday night, so they will be happy to have the opportunity to return to winning ways in front of their own fans.

While Walsall are sixth in terms of home form, Mansfield are sixth in the overall standings after a solid start to the season, acquiring 38 points from their opening 23 matches.

Nigel Clough has largely had to rely on the form of his strikers so far this term, as the defence has been a little shaky, conceding 29 goals in total, the second-highest amount of any side in the top half.

That is one potential weakness for their opponents to exploit, but on the whole the Stags have been impressive, as indicated by the fact that they are undefeated in their last four matches, despite facing some tricky tests.

Mansfield took on second-placed Stevenage and third-placed Northampton Town earlier this month, picking up what can be seen as good points against both, while also doing what was expected of them by winning against Colchester United and Hartlepool United.

Clough's men made it tough for themselves by falling behind against the M Hangers on Thursday, but second-half goals from Rhys Oates and Oliver Hawkins kept them well within reach of the automatic promotion places, now sitting just five points off third place.

Walsall League Two form:

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D

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Walsall form (all competitions):

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Mansfield Town League Two form:

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L

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D

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Mansfield Town form (all competitions):

L

L

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Team News

Jacob Maddox replaced Jack Earing at half-time on Thursday, with Walsall manager Michael Flynn looking to instigate a second-half turnaround, and the 24-year-old could keep his place in the centre of midfield.

Danny Johnson is the Saddlers' top scorer this season, notching 11 goals in 21 League Two outings, and Conor Wilkinson could be his new strike partner, having appeared as a substitute in the last two matches.

Hayden White, Emmanuel Monthe and Donervon Daniels have been the consistent centre-back choices so far this season, and they should expect to keep their places in a 3-4-1-2 system.

As for Mansfield, there is little reason for Nigel Clough to tinker with a winning formula, but he may be forced into making one change in midfield.

Ollie Clarke was withdrawn due to an injury sustained in the first half on Thursday night, and his replacement, George Lapslie, assisted both goals, so he is very likely to keep his place.

Walsall possible starting lineup:

Evans; White, Daniels, Monthe; Bennett, Kinsella, Maddox, Gordon; Hutchinson, Johnson, Wilkinson

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:

Pym; Hewitt, Perch, McLaughlin, Oates; Lapslie, Maris, Wallace, Swan; Akins, Hawkins

We say: Walsall 0-1 Mansfield Town

Walsall's improved League Two form came to an abrupt end in the loss against Stockport in midweek, and we expect that it will be two losses on the spin for the Saddlers.

Mansfield have been in good form, winning away against Hartlepool on Thursday night, and they should be able to continue their charge for the automatic promotion spots.

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