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

Mansfield Town play host to Hartlepool United on Friday evening looking for a win which will move them into third position in the League Two standings.

At a time when the home side are unbeaten in four fixtures, bottom-placed Hartlepool are still searching for their first league victory of the season.

Match preview

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On the back of last season's near miss with promotion, there felt somewhat of a hangover when Mansfield lost three of their opening six matches in League Two.

However, Nigel Clough's side have responded with 10 points from a possible 12, moving the club back into contention for the automatic places.

The comeback victory at Crewe Alexandra last time out may prove pivotal at some stage, the Stags netting in the 87th and 90th minutes to prevail by a 2-1 scoreline.

Nottingham Forest loanee Will Swan took his tally to three strikes for the campaign, moving to the top of the scoring charts ahead of six players who have two goals to their name.

Although Mansfield are unbeaten at Field Mill in the fourth tier since the beginning of the season, the Nottinghamshire outfit were held to a goalless draw by Carlisle United in their most recent outing on home territory.

After a dismal start to the campaign, Hartlepool made the decision to part ways with Paul Hartley with the Scot recording just one win from his opening 11 matches in all competitions.

While there were mixed feelings over the decision, it was made in an attempt to kick-start the club's season, something which is yet to occur since Keith Curle was made interim boss.

Two goalless draws against Morecambe, in the EFL Trophy, and Gillingham have followed, but positives will be taken from keeping in touch with the teams above them.

While the odds are stacked against them, the Monkey Hangers would move into 20th position if they record their first league win of the season on Friday night.

Team News

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Mansfield substitutes Swan, Jason Law and Kieran Wallace all worked wonders during the closing minutes versus Crewe, putting themselves in contention for an opportunity in the first XI

Of the trio, Swan is most likely to start this fixture ahead of Lucas Akins, with Law and Wallace yet to make an appearance in Clough's side this campaign.

Jordan Bowery may return in the final third if Clough opts to name a more attack-minded lineup.

Mouhamed Niang will be assessed after being withdrawn through a clash of heads against Gillingham last weekend.

Rollin Menayese is on standby to come into the team in what may prove to be the only change to the side.

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:

Pym; Hewitt, Hawkins, Harbottle; Gordon, Clarke, Maris, Quinn, McLaughlin; Lapslie; Swan

Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:

Killip; Niang, Murray, Lacey, Ferguson; Tumilty, Sylla, Shelton, Ndjoli, McDonald; Umerah

We say: Mansfield Town 2-0 Hartlepool United

The international break arguably came at the wrong time for both clubs, even Hartlepool who were showing signs of getting back on track. Nevertheless, we still expect Mansfield to win this fixture relatively comfortably, possibly with a goal in either half.

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