League Two title favourites Mansfield Town welcome Crewe Alexandra to the One Call Stadium on Saturday, looking to keep their superb run going.
The Stags recorded a huge win over current league leaders Stockport County on New Year's Day to move into the ascendancy for top spot in League Two.
Match preview
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Despite still being down in second, Mansfield are now favourites to finish on top as their sensational run continued with that stunning win at Stockport.
The 2-0 win leaves Nigel Clough's men two points behind Stockport, but with two games in hand over their closest rivals.
A brilliant festive period has seen Mansfield take 13 points from a possible 15, as the quick turnover of fixtures has evidently suited them, with the confidence just continuing game-by-game.
Mansfield have lost just one of their 24 league games this season - away to Swindon Town in November - so if their current form continues there is no doubt they will find themselves top of the table in the near future.
Their success has been built on a strong defence too, as they have averaged fewer than two goals-per-game this season but have conceded just 19, as the Stockport win saw them record a 10th clean sheet of the season already.
Crewe could represent a problem for Mansfield though, as they are a side they do not enjoy facing, having won just three times over their upcoming opponents in the 21st century.
The visitors themselves are a side with ambitions of automatic promotion, but they have taken a huge blow over the past month.
A seven game winless run to finish 2023 was not in the script for manager Lee Bell, as that also included elimination from the FA Cup at the hands of Bristol Rovers.
Taking just three points from a possible 18 means they have lost huge ground on the sides above them, and they now find themselves eight points off the top three.
However, Crewe took a step in the right direction to start 2024 by beating Bradford City 1-0 on New Year's Day to move them back into the playoff places.
That win leaves Alexandra sixth, but the teams below them are still breathing down their neck in what is a devilishly tight race for the playoffs.
Team News
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Mansfield have been fortunate to keep the majority of their squad fit throughout the festive calendar, as the same players have built on the momentum picked up with some high-profile wins.
However, there were two injury issues for Clough to deal with in the first half at Edgeley Park, with both Rhys Oates and Callum Johnson being forced off early on.
James Gale is the only other absentee, but fellow forward Davis Keillor-Dunn, despite being given a rest from the start, came on to score against Stockport, taking his tally to 14 in the league.
George Maris has arguably been the most pivotal player in recent weeks for the Stags though, as he has contributed to five goals in five goals from a deeper position in midfield.
In comparison, Crewe have been struck down by numerous injury issues, especially in the middle of the park, where Jack Powell, Matus Holicek and Charlie Colkett are all out.
Conor Thomas could return imminently from the injury that has seen him miss three games, but Joel Tabiner is another confirmed absentee.
Chris Long's recent return has been a big boost, though, as he has netted in both starts since his comeback, earning Crewe four points in the process.
Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:
Pym; Reed, Flint, Cargill, Bowery; Clarke, Maris, Brunt, Quinn; Akins, Keillor-Dunn
Crewe Alexandra possible starting lineup:
Booth; Billington, O'Riordan, Offord, Demetriou, Adebisi; Rowe, White; Long, Baker-Richardson, Tracey
We say: Mansfield Town 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
Mansfield have not been the flashiest side chasing promotion, but they have been effective, and another win here could take them top should results elsewhere go their way.
After three straight away wins, Crewe are now in danger of extending their winless run on the road to five following those successes, and this could be a difficult afternoon against the in-form team in League Two.
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Top tip
Andrew Delaney
