Two of the top sides in League Two go head to head in the FA Cup on Saturday, as Mansfield host Wrexham. When they met in this exact fixture in October, the match concluded as a goalless draw.
Mansfield
The Stags are the only unbeaten side in League Two and after 15 games they are six points off top in fourth place with a game in hand. Seven wins and eight draws is impressive, but Nigel Clough will be frustrated that his side haven’t been able to convert more of those draws into victories. Mansfield have conceded the least amount of goals in the league (12) whilst scoring the sixth most (27).
Last time out in League Two, Mansfield beat Walsall 2-1 at home. They controlled the tie from the first whistle and the victory was never in doubt, even when the visitors equalised. Yet, this week they did taste defeat for the first time this season, as they lost 1-0 to Port Vale in the EFL Cup.
Wrexham
As expected, the Red Dragons have taken League Two by storm and after 16 matches, they currently sit in third place. Wrexham have only been beat twice this season, whilst also winning 50% of their fixtures. They have scored two goals per game on average, yet on the road, they average less than a goal per game and concede just one.
Last time out, Phil Parkinson’s team beat promotion rivals, Notts County, on the road. The hosts dominated the ball but Wrexham were a constant threat on the break. The score was 0-0 at the break, but Elliot Lee and Ollie Palmer scored within minutes of each-other to give Wrexham a two goal advantage. The Red Dragons held on for an important three points.
Verdict?
That loss in the week may act as a wake up call for the Mansfield squad and they should be fully prepared for this weekend’s match. As for Wrexham, they go into the tie after a huge 2-0 win over Notts County and they will believe that round 2 of the FA Cup is achievable.
The final prediction is Mansfield 1-1 Wrexham.
