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

Both Stevenage and Mansfield Town will battle for three points to help drag them clear of the cutthroat relegation battle at the bottom of the League Two table.

The pair are currently separated only on goal difference, having taken 14 points from their opening 15 games, with the losers of Saturday's clash running the risk of dropping into the relegation zone should other results go against them.

Match preview

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Having been reprieved from relegation in the curtailed 2019-20 campaign, Stevenage bounced back last season with a comfortable mid-table finish.

However, under the tutelage of Alex Revell this season, the Boro have returned to their shaky form of the past and are once again in the midst of a relegation tussle.

Two wins from their opening two matches had provided some promise, yet a run of one victory in the following 13 games has seen Stevenage slump to the foot of the table.

Their last league victory came against Hartlepool United at the beginning of October, meaning Stevenage enter Saturday's fixture looking to end a six-game winless streak.

Failure to take three points at the weekend would equal Stevenage's worst run without three points this season, having gone seven victory-less games at the start of the campaign.

History suggests the Boro's task will be tough, as Stevenage have managed just one win in the previous eight meetings against Mansfield, with their last coming in April 2019.

That 2-1 win came away from home, with Stevenage's last victory at the Lamex Stadium over the Nottinghamshire club coming way back in September 2014.

Looking to extend their impressive record on the road against Stevenage will be Nigel Clough's Mansfield side, who themselves have struggled so far this term.

Victory against Tranmere Rovers in their last League Two fixture was their first three points since the opening weekend of the season, helping Mansfield drag themselves off the foot of the table.

It ended a run of 14 league matches without a win for Mansfield, with their eight-season stint in the Football League looking to be under pressure.

Promoted from the National League as champions in 2012-13, Mansfield supporters will be hoping that their club is not competing in the fifth tier next season, with a victory over fellow-relegation candidates Stevenage a perfect place to reignite their campaign.

Team News

Much of Mansfield's survival hopes will depend on the form of Danny Johnson, who has netted four times so far this season, including in the win against Tranmere.

On the back of their EFL Trophy win in mid-week, George Shelvey looks set be replaced by first-choice Nathan Bishop between the sticks.

Clough should have a fresh group of players to select from, with James Perch the only absentee – the midfielder suffered a fractured skull in late August and is likely to be out until April 2022.

Both George Maris and George Lapslie will have to watch their tackles on Saturday, as the pair are one yellow card away from suspension.

As for the hosts, Jake Taylor has also accumulated four yellow cards so far this season and another booking this weekend will rule him out for Stevenage's next game.

One man the Boro will hope avoids suspension for the entire season is Elliot List, who has top-scored for Stevenage this term and could add to his five goals against Mansfield.

Adam Smith conceded five in his last League Two outing, with the 28-year-old goalkeeper battling with Joseph Anang for a spot between the sticks.

Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Smith; Wildin, Prosser, Cuthbert, Coker; Barry, Taylor, Lines, Reeves; Norris, List

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:
Bishop; Hewitt, Rawson, Hawkins, McLaughlin; Maris, Charsley, Quinn; Clarke, Johnson, Oates

We say: Stevenage 1-2 Mansfield Town

A six-pointer that could see the losers drop into the dreaded relegation zone and put their Football League status at risk.

Expect a cagey affair without either side being able to establish much dominance, with a singular goal separating both Stevenage and Mansfield.

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