Mansfield Town vs Oldham Predictions

Despite being listed among the sides fancied to make a challenge for the title at the start of the season, Mansfield have struggled in the opening months of the season and are currently well down the table and well off the pace. However, the old adage of it being a marathon not a sprint rings true and Mansfield will know that another three points this weekend against an Oldham side who have plenty of problems of their own will go a long way to bridging the gap.

The hosts will come into Saturday’s fixture with a welcome boost in confidence following their 1-0 win over Grimsby Town. The fact that they were able to keep a clean sheet in that game against a side who have found the back of the net regularly will be a major boost, but it is something which they have struggled to accomplish this term. The Stags have conceded 16 times so far this season and given that 62% of the goals conceded by Mansfield this season have come on home soil, it appears they may struggle to repeat the trick this weekend.

Making the trip to Field Mill is an Oldham side who have struggled to get over the line so far this season but, although they have not exactly been outplayed, they know that they need to learn to put a game to bed if they are to climb the table. The visitors have no trouble finding the back of the net on a regular basis, but with no clean sheets on the road this season and no clean sheets in their last eight games, it is clear to see the area which needs to be improved on.

Both of these sides have pretty similar problems in that they are strong enough in front of goal and have had issues keeping the opposition at bay. With both needing three points to climb the table, we think that this match should be pretty attacking. Given the defensive frailties of both of these sides, we cannot see a result which sees one of the defenses coming out on top, so backing both teams to score looks to be the way to go.

For those of you looking to back a correct score tip, we also have you covered. Although we expect both teams to find the back of the net, we think that home advantage should have an important role to play and with this in mind, we think that Mansfield should be able to get the edge and claim a 2-1 victory.