- Mansfield Town are unbeaten in their last 5 League One games (W2, D3), while Burton Albion have won 2 and lost 3 of their last 5.
- Mansfield Town are one place higher than Burton Albion in the table (16th vs 18th), but Mansfield have three games in hand.
Mansfield looking to maintain momentum
Mansfield Town are now unbeaten in 5 League One fixtures (W2, D3) after a 2-1 defeat at Burton Albion, and they will be looking to continue their strong recent momentum against a similar opponent on Monday. The Stags are 16th in the 2025-26 League One table with 49 points from 37 games, a mid-table position which reflects their consistency this season.
Nigel Clough’s side have been very difficult to break down at home in recent months, winning 2 and drawing 1 of their last 3, and they have conceded just 21 goals in their 20 home games in the 3rd tier this campaign. Town’s home form, and the momentum they’ve built in recent weeks, make them the most likely victors in this fixture, but Clough’s tactical nous and his team’s defensive solidity ensure that they won’t be strolling to a routine victory.
Clough has made the Stags difficult to play against with his compact, organised shape, which allows his side to press high and transition quickly when the ball is won. The hosts’ players have space and time to play when they do get the ball, and wide areas are often exploited by Town’s overlapping full-backs. Lucas Akins has come into form in the last 5 games, scoring 3 goals, but Will Evans (8 goals in 36 League One appearances) has been Town’s top scorer and consistent threat this campaign.
Burton aiming for a crucial win
Burton Albion have taken 46 points from 40 League One matches so far, leaving them 18th in the 2025-26 standings and just above the drop zone. Gary Bowyer has instilled a defence-first mentality in his players since he took over at Burton in December 2024, and his side have ground out crucial results in their fight for third-tier survival.
Burton have typically played with 3 central defenders and wing-backs under Bowyer, who has been disciplined and pragmatic in his team selection and tactics. The Brewers have won just 4 of their 20 League One away matches, however, and have scored an average of just 1.00 goals per-game on their travels. Burton’s best forward this term, Jake Beesley, has scored 13 League One goals in 39 appearances.
Burton nicked the points on the last occasion these sides met in League One, beating Mansfield 2-1 at the Pirelli eight months ago, but the hosts are without a win in the 4 games since then (D2, L2). Mansfield have looked in better form in the most recent matches, however, and their home form suggests they can nick the points at odds of 51/50.
