Coleman plans changes as Sousa sits out

Posted Monday, August 13, 2018 by PA

Accrington manager John Coleman is likely to make wholesale changes to his side for the Carabao Cup clash at Mansfield.

Stanley won their first game in the third tier of English football since 1960 with a 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers on Saturday. But the manager is hoping to use the cup to give an opportunity to players he has yet to use this season.

New keeper Connor Ripley, who has joined Accrington on loan from Middlesbrough, made his debut at the weekend but his rival for the number one shirt, Jonny Maxted, could return against Mansfield.

Winger Erico Sousa is unlikely to feature due to a thigh injury.

Mansfield manager David Flitcroft is still hoping to utilise the loan market to add to his squad.

Flitcroft is actively looking at new targets, saying: “We are being pro-active in looking and making sure we have got bases covered. We are still speaking to players as part of an ongoing process.”

Striker Danny Rose had been expected to join Peterborough ahead of last week’s deadline for permanent transfers but no agreement was reached between the two clubs and he is in contention at the Wham Stadium.

The Stags are unbeaten in their opening two league games but have not beaten Accrington in the last 13 meetings between the two sides.