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

It is a crucial top-of-the-table clash this Friday as current League Two leaders Mansfield Town will make the journey to the Racecourse Ground as they play third-placed Wrexham.

The Welsh-based club are hoping to continue their Hollywood journey with consecutive promotions, and three points could see them heading into Easter sitting level on points with their opponents.

Match preview

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Wrexham's return to the Football League has been almost perfect so far this season, losing only nine of their 39 matches to this point which has left them in a good position heading into the run-in.

Phil Parkinson will be hoping his team can finish strongly to secure promotion, and his men have a chance of moving to the top of the league if they can secure a win this Friday.

While Wrexham also need Stockport County to drop points, a victory against Mansfield would at the very least see them finish the weekend level on points with the Stags, while creating a bigger gap between them and the chasing pack.

After two games without a win, the Red Dragons instantly got back on track last weekend by defeating Grimsby Town courtesy of a brace from Andy Cannon, while Paul Mullin rounded things out with his 16th league goal of the season.

That is the type of form that will be required if Wrexham hope to take anything from Mansfield, particularly since the visitors currently boast the best defensive record in the division.

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The Stags have everything in their hands currently when it comes to winning the league, heading into the final stages of the season in pole position, which brings an element of pressure with each match.

Considering Mansfield sit just two points above Stockport, and three ahead of Wrexham, there is very little room for error as the chasing pack in playoff positions also loom closely behind.

Consistency is going to be key for Nigel Clough's men, which is the opposite of what they have shown in their previous six matches which have featured three wins, two defeats and a draw.

Most recently, Mansfield's impressive 5-1 win against Bradford City was followed by a surprising 1-1 draw against Colchester United, who are currently involved in the relegation fight.

The Stags have been unable to beat Wrexham in two meetings already this season after drawing in the league and losing in the FA Cup, and that could inspire the squad even further on Friday.

Team News

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Wrexham were boosted by the return of Tom O'Connor during their most recent outing following his short stint on the sidelines with injury, and he should retain his place in midfield on Friday.

The Red Dragons will have the experienced James McClean available again following his suspension, which is much needed considering George Evans and James Jones are currently injured.

Parkinson opted to start Ollie Palmer against Grimsby, and his experience and ability to hold up play could prove to be useful against a strong defensive unit.

Mansfield will be without George Williams and Callum Johnson for this one, as this game is going to come too soon for them even though they have both been on the training pitch this week.

Elliot Hewitt was in the matchday squad for the draw against Colchester but he did not feature, and after 11 months on the sidelines his minutes are going to be managed carefully.

Wrexham possible starting lineup: Okonkwo; Bolton, Cleworth, O'Connell, Boyle, McClean; Lee, O'Connor, Cannon; Palmer, Mullin

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup: Pym; McLaughlin, Brunt, Flint, Bowery; Boateng, Reed, Quinn, Davis; Atkins, Swan

We say: Wrexham 2-1 Mansfield Town

This promises to be a closely contested game due to how much is on the line when it comes to the League Two promotion battle, and their previous encounters this season have showcased that there is little to split them.

However, with Wrexham boasting a home advantage and the confidence that Mansfield has been unable to beat them this season, it could be Parkinson's men that edges this one.

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