Next Up: Mansfield Town at Home

Given City’s match against Wycombe on New Year’s Day fell foul of the weather and the forecast isn’t exactly positive going into the weekend, this preview may prove moot once again, but at least City will have had an opportunity to rest weary legs after the usual hectic Christmas schedule which could give Paul Tisdale’s side an advantage heading into the visit of Mansfield. The extra rest may give Tisdale more options as he would no doubt have looked to rotate his squad for the Wycombe and Mansfield matches so may instead look to his strongest available 11. Matt Gill limped out of the win at Torquay and his place may be taken either by Matt Grimes or Tom Doherty, while Tom Nichols and David Wheeler will look to build on their impressive form alongside Alan Gow and either Sam Parkin, John O’Flynn or Jimmy Keohane. Jordan Moore-Taylor is likely to continue at left back with Craig Woodman missing out.

Having lost top scorer Matt Green to Birmingham in the summer, it was always going to be a season of consolidation back in the Football League for Mansfield, and so it has proved so far with the Stags lying in 18th place in the table. Paul Cox must have been feeling the pressure somewhat until Sunday when Mansfield did what City had failed to do three days earlier and win at Cheltenham – their first win in the league since September. They followed this up with a creditable 0-0 draw at home to Burton on New Year’s Day, meaning they have a little form to show going into Saturday’s match. What is perhaps more encouraging too is that they have gained these results without their talisman Sam Clucas, who was ruled out for several weeks recently. City’s chief concern will be breaching a rearguard containing the likes of goalkeeper Alan Marriott and defenders Lee Beevers and John Dempster.

Back in August the teams played out a 0-0 draw at Field Mill, and you have to go back as far as 01/02 for the last time Mansfield visited the Park, when an early Liam Lawrence goal clinched the points as Mansfield closed in on promotion. City hold a slight lead in the Football League head to head, 19 wins to Mansfield’s 17 (17 draws).

Exeweb will bring you the news as soon it happens as to whether the game will be on or not.

Match Officials: http://www.exeweb.com/2014/01/02/match-officials-mansfield-town-at-home/