Mansfield v Northampton preview
Friday 28 September 2018 10:19, UK
Mansfield have injury problems ahead of their home game against Northampton.
Hayden White will miss out through injury while fellow defenders David Mirfin (knee) and Zander Diamond (back) are also sidelined as they continue their recoveries from long-term problems.
Midfielder Jacob Mellis is still suspended as he serves the final game of a three-match ban. Some good news for the Stags could see Craig Davies (hamstring) return to the squad. The forward last played in Mansfield's 2-1 victory over Lincoln in the Checkatrade Trophy on September 4.
Northampton defender Aaron Pierre is available again after serving a one-match suspension. However, after Leon Barnett's impressive showing in Pierre's absence, the former Wigan and Norwich player could keep his place alongside Ash Taylor at the heart of the defence.
Cobblers boss Dean Austin does not anticipate any new problems, although he did admit one or two players are nursing aches and sprains. Forwards Junior Morias and Daniel Powell are still struggling with hamstring injuries but the latter is nearing fitness and could be back for the Bury game next week.
Opta stats
Mansfield are unbeaten in five home matches against Northampton (W3 D2) since losing 3-1 in May 2004 in a play-off match.
Northampton are unbeaten in five league matches against Mansfield (W2 D3) since a 3-0 loss in September 2013.
Mansfield have won just two of their 10 home league games under manager David Flitcroft (D5 L3); they had lost none of their final 10 under Steve Evans before he took charge (W6 D4).
Northampton have won just one of their last 13 matches in all competitions (D6 L6), and one of 11 in 2018-19 so far (D5 L5).
Northampton's Sam Hoskins has had more shots (22) than any other player yet to score a goal in League Two so far this season.
