After back-to-back away wins, Hartlepool United will want to keep the good results coming as they return to the Suit Direct Stadium for the visit of Mansfield on Thursday 29th December (7.45pm KO).
The Opposition
Mansfield are currently sixth in League Two on 35 points. They've won 10 of their 22 matches this season, and their last five league results include two draws, two wins, and one loss.
The Stags are led by Nigel Clough, son of former Pools boss and European Cup winner Brian Clough. Their side features ex-Newcastle utility man James Perch and two former Poolies - Scott Flinders and Rhys Oates.
The History
The sides have met 93 times in the past, with Pools winning 30 times, Mansfield winning 44 times, and 19 matches ending a draw. Last season, two entertaining matches were played out between. In December 2021, Mansfield triumphed 3-2 at home, despite goals from Nicky Featherstone and Luke Molyneux, while Pools claimed a point in March 2022 after strikes from Molyneux and Joe Grey secured a 2-2 tie.
The reverse fixture this season was also a 2-2 draw after Josh Umerah's brace rescued a point.
Team News
The treatment room remains quiet at the minute, so Pools are likely to field a similar side to the one that triumphed at Rochdale on Boxing Day. Alex Lacey remains a long-term absentee with a shoulder injury, and Mohammed Niang is also likely to be unavailable.
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