Mansfield Town host Grimsby Town at Field Mill this Saturday with strong hopes of maintaining their promotion challenge in League Two.
Nigel Clough's Mansfield come into the match buoyant following good performances in their last two fixtures - a last-minute victory against Colchester United, and a sturdy 0-0 away draw to title-challenging Stevenage. In the opposite dugout, Paul Hurst leads 14th-placed Grimsby having won just one in their last seven league games.
Match preview
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Mansfield sit in fifth place in League Two after a fantastic start to the season, but their form has dropped along with the temperature in recent months, picking up just two wins in their last eight games.
In previewing the game at the weekend, Clough appeared heartened by his team's recent performances, seeing their last two matches as an indication of a turn in fortune for the Stags.
Indeed, Clough's side showed resilience in their defensive display against a rampant Stevenage team, who had won nine of their last 10 games on home soil. The possession was evenly shared between the two teams last weekend, with neither side showing much accuracy in their ball playing.
However, a conservative approach this weekend would be out of step for a side seeking promotion. Though Clough has been satisfied with his side's organisation and individual performances, his focus has seemed to be on preparing against teams more than looking to threaten his opposition.
Clough seemed wary at the prospect of facing some of Grimsby's individuals, citing John McAtee - a player Clough describes as being able to "create something out of nothing" - as well as the "pace" and "goal threat" of forward Otis Khan, who he worked with at Sheffield United in a previous stint at the Blades.
Grimsby manager Paul Hurst will perhaps see Clough's comments as recognition of his side's progress this season. Sitting in 14th place, the newly-promoted Mariners have impressed with both their league stability and eye-catching performances in the FA Cup - all a continuation of last season's success in the National League.
Hurst has made tactical adjustments in recent weeks - compelled by his side having one just won in their last seven league matches, a consequence of his side's consistent failure to maintain clean sheets.
Under pressure to find balance and consistency from a slew of injury absences, Hurst's switch to the 4-1-4-1 formation has given solidity in the middle of the park to combat many of the league's aggressive direct play.
Kieran Green has come under a lot of praise for his performance for the Mariners against Tranmere Rovers, the 25-year-old dominating in the air with a 81% success rate in the deep-laying anchor role.
Alongside Gavan Holohan and Harry Clifton's supporting energy, the talismanic McAtee will be further allowed to flourish as the roaming creative force in the side.
With Grimsby overcoming Mansfield in their last meeting in the EFL Cup with a 2-0 victory, Hurst will no doubt know that his side has a strong opportunity to get a positive result at Field Mill.
Team News
Defender John-Joe O'Toole is back in contention for Mansfield having served a suspension during the Stags' last fixture. Should Clough revert to a back three, O'Toole could feature in the right centre-back role this weekend.
Clough has raised some doubts about the fitness of left-forward Jordan Bowery, who has been suffering with illness this week. The manager did confirm for certain that left-back Lewis Page will remain out with an Achilles injury.
Grimsby will be aching for January to come with the New Year's gift of the mid-season transfer window to resolve ongoing injury problems at Blundell Park. Left-back Anthony Glennon remains out, with 22-year-old Danny Amos subsidising in his absence.
Hurst will be looking to strengthen his attacking options in January, with part of his switch to 4-1-4-1 motivated by a lack of attacking options to support McAtee upfront.
Twenty-five-year-old right-back Michee Efete may return for Grimsby, having received the all-clear from the doctors after a potential neck injury against Wimbledon two weeks ago. Efete has been a regular starter for Hurst, and will no doubt walk straight into the first team at the weekend if he is fully fit.
Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:
Pym; Harbottle, Hawkins, Hewitt, McLaughlin; Maris, Akins, Clarke, Lapslie; Oates, Quinn
Grimsby Town possible starting lineup:
Grocombe; Efete, Waterfall, Maher, Amos; Green; Kiernan, Holohan, Clifton, Khan; McAtee
We say: Mansfield Town 1-1 Grimsby Town
The caution that Mansfield have shown in recent performances indicates that this match will be another cagey affair for the Stags. Hurst will look for a positive performance for Grimsby, but the nature of the system the Mariners use may not facilitate a glut of attacking play.
Khan, McAtee and Kiernan will provide the goal threat for the visitors, whereas George Lapslie or Stephen Quinn may find some joy going forward for Mansfield.
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