Mansfield Town vs Colchester United Prediction & Betting Tips

Colchester United make the trip to Field Mill to take on Mansfield Town this Saturday in League Two. Mansfield look to extend their lead at the top of the table whereas Colchester desperately need a win to get themselves out of the relegation zone.

Date: 23/03/2024

Kick-off time: 12:30

Location: Field Mill

The top and bottom of the table are both tight. Top of the table down to fourth are separated by just five minutes and the bottom three are all separated by just three points, making a win this weekend equally important for both sides.

Mansfield currently sit top of the League Two table after 38 games. The Stags have 20 wins, 12 draws and six losses, leaving them on 72 points, five points above Stockport, Wrexham and MK Dons.

The Stags have the best scoring record in League Two, having scored 78 goals in 38 games, giving them the average of 2.05 goals a game. Mansfield have been just as impressive at the other end of the pitch, conceding just 36 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets.

Colchester, on the other hand, currently sit 22nd in League Two. In 36 games, The Us have eight wins, nine draws and 19 losses which leaves them on 33 points, equal with Forest Green Rovers and six points from safety.

The Us have struggled in front of goal this season, scoring just 46 goals in 36 games, an average of 1.28 goals a game. However, the struggles up top are also felt at the other end of the pitch as Colchester have conceded 65 goals and have kept four clean sheets - the second-lowest number of clean sheets in the league.

Mansfield Town Team News

Nigel Clough may be without the likes of Calum Macdonald and Callum Johnson this weekend through injury.

Colchester United Team News

Danny Cowley, on the other hand, has no current issues in his squad.

In their last five games in all competitions, Mansfield have three wins and two losses.

After a goalless first half, George Maris scored the only goal of the game in the 50th minute to give Mansfield the 1 - 0 win over a Newport County side that failed to register a single shot on target.

However, the visit from fellow promotion candidate MK Dons was one to forget for The Stags. Mansfield went ahead through a goal from Stephen Quinn in the 15th minute but a goal from Alex Gilbey made it level for MK Dons before halftime. However, in the second half Matthew Dennis scored to secure the 2 - 1 win for MK Dons, despite Mansfield having 23 shots with 11 of them on target.

Mansfield bounced back the next time out against Swindon Town. A goal from Lucas Akin gave Mansfield the lead in the fourth minute and at halftime. Paul Glatzel equalised for Swindon just five minutes into the second half KD Davis regained the lead for Mansfield one minute later. Swindon were level again through Aaron Drinan but Will Swans’ goal wrapped up a 3 - 2 win for Mansfield.

However, The Stags were handed another loss, this time at the hands of Tranmere Rovers. Regan Hendry opened the scoring for Tranmere but Swan made it level before the halftime whistle. Rob Apter scored early in the second half for Tranmere and Mansfield were unable to find the back of the net again and slumped to a 2 - 1 loss.

The last time out for Mansfield was against Bradford City. Baily Cargill, Akins, Davis and Swan all scored to give Mansfield the 4 - 0 lead at halftime. Andy Cook did get Bradford on the scoresheet but a late goal from Aaron James Lewis grabbed the 5 - 1 win for Mansfield.

In their last five games in all competitions, Colchester have four draws and one loss.

Noah Chilvers’ goal in the 40th minute gave Colchester the 1 - 0 lead over Accrington Stanley at halftime. Despite the red card to Accrington’s Bradley Hills just one minute into the second half, an own goal from Riley Harbottle with just ten minutes to go grabbed a 1 - 1 draw for Accrington.

A big game at the bottom of the table saw Colchester take on Sutton United. Cameron McGeehan opened the scoring for Colchester in the seventh minute but Charlie Lakin equalised for Sutton before halftime. Neither team could convert any of their shots and had to settle for a 1 - 1 draw.

Matt Smith’s goal gave Salford the 1 - 0 lead right on the halftime whistle but a late goal from Bradley Ihionvien rescued a 1 - 1 draw for Colchester.

The trip to Barrow saw a game of added time goals. Despite Colchester having more of the possession, Kian Spence scored in the fourth minute of first half added time and Sam Foley scored in the 95th minute to give Barrow the 2 - 0 win.

The most recent outing for Colchester was a visit from Walsall. The Us found themselves behind at halftime as Taylor Allen’s goal in the 37th minute gave Walsall the 1 - 0 lead. However, McGeehan scored just three minutes into the second half to level the game. Neither team were able to capitalise on their 14 and 13 shots respectively as the game finished in a 1 - 1 draw.

Mansfield have been a force to be reckoned with in League Two this season, and a relegation-threatened Colchester are unlikely to pose much threat and are unlikely to even get on the scoresheet. Mansfield Town 3-0 Colchester United

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Mansfield Town vs Colchester United will be broadcasted on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event and can be followed online on BBC Sport or Sky Sports.

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