Mansfield - Scouting Report

The Magpies host Mansfield at Meadow Lane later today, the fixture is one which both sets of fans have been looking forward to and it should be an action packed game, with Stag fans flooding down to the ground to support their team.

Mansfield will be looking to claim their first victory of the 2015/16 season, whilst also trying to protect their current undefeated record. With only one game in, the Stags will be required to find the determination to bring out the best of their play.

Whilst, Notts must continue with their impressive form within this local derby.

Run down of their recent games.

Saturday 8^th August – Mansfield Town 1 Carlisle United 1
Tuesday 11^th August – Sheffield Wednesday 4 Mansfield Town 1
 

The Players – Fact Sheet.

Highest Goal Scorers; Ryan Tafazolli 1, and Malvind Benning 1

Persistent Foulers; Adam Chapman 1 Yellow Card.

The Key Players.

Matt Green (if fit), along with former Magpie players Craig Westcarr and Kristian Pearce.

There's doubts over Green's chances to start the game against Notts, however he is a very mobile striker who can stride into play and literally create chances, with the natural ability to finish.

Mansfield have a fairly experienced squad, balanced out with ambitious signings and a core of physical players, with grit for the lower league. Adam Chapman is another player in which Notts should be aware of, however I left him out of the key players because of his inconsistency.

Craig Westcarr requires no introduction, he is a player who can drift in and out of games. His ability to read movement, the game and of course a certain level of luck has made him a dangerous asset for whoever he features for.

If Kristian Pearce plays to his potential, he will be the rock within the Stags defence. However, it is notable that Mansfield do possess other players of similar ability. Facing up against your former club usually brings the best out of players and I genuinely feel Pearce will be a player advancing Magpies must be aware of.

Style of Play, Strengths, and Weaknesses.

Adam Murray has impressed me with the amount of business and quality in which Mansfield have introduced to their ranks, it leaves questions to if they do require additional strength, but they have assembled a decent side for this division. They're an attacking side which shows no fear of going forward, but are prone to being a little physical to say the least.

Mansfield haven't started off that badly considering, I feel the current results are down to players getting used to each other and although they took the lead against Carlisle, they didn't threaten them enough in my opinion.

They like to lump the ball forward, making sure that teams have to match their physical attributes in order to find more time on the ball. Naturally, they attack via the flanks but also through the centre the park.

The Stags main strengths come from their ability to get forward, whilst the key figures offer strength allowing them to avoid being push overs.

Free flowing, fast paced football seems to bring pressure to the Mansfield defence and I have noticed the prone mistakes at the back from set pieces like corner kicks. Notts will have to use all their experience to avoid altercations, as Mansfield will no doubt attempt to rough up play, but if Notts keep the ball down, move quickly I feel this will be far too much for an newish assembled Stag side.