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

In a clash between two of the early-season playoff contenders, Crewe Alexandra will welcome Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon.

Should Crewe take three points this weekend, they could leapfrog Mansfield and take up a position in the top seven.

Match preview

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Starting the weekend inside the playoff positions, Mansfield will be hoping that this is the season that they earn promotion to League One, having spent the last nine campaigns in the fourth tier.

Mansfield have only had one season in the third tier across their history, compared to a staggering 42 campaigns in League Two.

With 16 points from their opening nine matches, they are well on their way to competing once more, starting with Saturday's clash against Crewe.

Relegated from League One last season, Crewe have coped well with their return to League Two, starting the weekend within touching distance of the playoff positions.

Four wins from their first nine matches represent a good start, especially considering that they have lost just two of those outings so far.

Just one defeat from their last five matches in the league will inspire Crewe heading into the weekend's action, as they look to continue their march up the League Two table.

In what is the first meeting between the two since December 2019, it is Crewe who boast the stronger record in this fixture.

Six of the last 12 head-to-heads have gone the way of Crewe, although they have just one victory in this fixture from the previous four meetings.

Mansfield boast just two victories in that period of 12 meetings – a record the Stags will look to put right this weekend.

Team News

Attacking duo Lucas Akins and George Lapslie both netted in Mansfield's 2-0 victory over Gillingham Town last weekend.

A back three of Riley Harbottle, Oliver Hawkins and Elliott Hewitt will all partner each other as the Stags look for back-to-back clean sheets.

Courtney Baker-Richardson's fifth goal of an already profitable campaign gave Crewe a 1-0 victory over Crawley Town in their last league outings, with the striker set to lead the line once more.

In behind is likely to be Callum Ainley, while Bassala Sambou and Dan Agyei provide creativity from the wings.

Former Arsenal man Arthur Okonkwo will once again be handed the gloves, as Crewe also eye up consecutive clean sheets.

Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:

Okonkwo; Uwakwe, McDonald, Offord, Mellor; King, Thomas; Agyei, Ainley, Sambou; Baker-Richardson

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:

Pym; Hewitt, Hawkins, Harbottle; Gordon, Clarke, Hartigan, Maris, McLaughlin; Lapslie, Akins

We say: Crewe Alexandra 2-0 Mansfield Town

In what is shaping up to be an entertaining clash, Crewe will likely attack from the off as they look to put a dent in Mansfield's early playoff hopes.

It has been a mixed start for Crewe, but as they begin to pick up form, it is hard to look beyond the hosts for three points this weekend.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.