Mansfield Town vs AFC Wimbledon preview - Same again for Stags

Posted Tuesday, March 17, 2015 by PA

Mansfield should have an unchanged squad for the visit of AFC Wimbledon.

Stags boss Adam Murray may also field an unchanged team, despite Saturday's home defeat to Bury. Two weeks ago Murray made six changes to his side to freshen it up for a Tuesday night game, which paid off with a 1-0 win at Newport. But he has hinted he may give his players a second chance after the weekend loss.

"We have games in quick succession again and I have to pick a side I feel will be beneficial to this football club," he said. "An important factor is that I think I have a lot of players who want to put things right, which will be in my thought process."

Defender Michael Raynes is nearing a return to contention after a hamstring injury but Liam Hearn, Luke Jones and Matty Blair remain long-term absentees.

Experienced midfielder Dannie Bulman misses out for Wimbledon through suspension.

Bulman was sent off for a bad tackle during the first half of Saturday's 3-2 defeat at Exeter and starts a three-match ban.

On-loan Millwall defender Jake Goodman is close to returning after playing for the Under-21s last week having recovered from a broken toe.

Goalkeeper James Shea is still out with an ankle injury so Joe McDonnell will deputise again, while young midfielder Tom Beere is struggling with a hamstring strain.