Who will Nigel Clough pitch against the in-form Huddersfield Town on Saturday?

Stags could really do with a positive result this weekend to put their recent defeats behind them. After conceding six goals in two games, Mansfield Town will host the unbeaten Terriers at the One Call Stadium, where they were triumphant last season.

Huddersfield won 3-1 on Mansfield soil but the tables dramatically turned when Peter Drury’s side were dealt a 4-1 defeat in their back garden. That’s something that is clearly still fresh in the manager’s memory, as Drury says his side will ‘approach the clash with caution’.

Stags have been hit with some frustrating injury setbacks already this season and they could be without Liam Roberts again at the weekend, as he continues to recover from a foot injury. Jon Russell is also absent after picking up a hamstring problem, which has seen him miss the last two games.

Mansfield Town midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh celebrates during the Sky Bet League 1 match against Luton Town FC at the One Call Stadium, 30 Aug 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

placeholder image — Mansfield Town midfielder Nathan Moriah-Welsh celebrates during the Sky Bet League 1 match against Luton Town FC at the One Call Stadium, 30 Aug 2026, Photo credit Chris & Jeanette Holloway / The Bigger Picture.media

Predicted Mansfield Town line-up: Goalkeeper and defenders

Nigel Clough has said Roberts is ‘50/50’ to feature this weekend. To avoid a potential setback, the manager may give Harry Lewis the nod again until Roberts is fully fit and ready to return. Lewis had a solid game against Bradford City last time out and was praised for his efforts between the sticks.

With Kyle Knoyle also being assessed, we’ve gone with a back three of Ryan Sweeney, Frazer Blake-Tracy and Deji Oshilaja.

Blake-Tracy started on the left last time out against Bradford but Stephen McLaughlin is on the brink of making his return.

Predicted Mansfield Town line-up: Midfielders and wing-backs

Clough said he hopes after a week’s rest, McLaughlin will be good to play on Saturday, which will be a welcome return for Stags. Opposite him at right wing-back we will hope to see another strong creative performance from Nathan Moriah-Welsh. After his impressive display against Luton Town, NMW was deployed centrally to replace Russell but Clough quickly confirmed he is better suited out wide.

Louis Reed is expected to keep his regular role shoring up the midfield, with new signing Liam Thompson also likely to start after impressing since his debut. Stags will need Thompson’s speed and creativity to try and break down Huddersfield.

We’ve paired Thompson with Regan Hendry in midfield this week, despite him enjoying performances further forward this season. With Russell out, central midfield options are on the slim side and Hendry has been a creative outlet for Mansfield, with a goal and two assists in all competitions.

Predicted Mansfield Town line-up: Strikers

In our opinion, the combination of Rhys Oates and Michael Smith has looked the most effective so far this season. David McGoldrick and Tyler Roberts were absent early on through injury, allowing Smith the time to settle in and impress with his physical play.

Oates’ drive to get forward pairs well with Smith’s strong hold-up play – it will also allow Hendry to drift forward if the opportunity arises, as Clough recently confirmed he prefers to play in more attacking positions. Hendry has looked good up top and he may get more chances in that position once Russell returns and loan signing George Abbott is also fit and firing.

Predicted XI: Harry Lewis; Ryan Sweeney, Frazer Blake-Tracy, Deji Oshilaja, Nathan Moriah-Welsh, Louis Reed, Liam Thompson, Regan Hendry, Stephen McLaughlin, Rhys Oates, Michael Smith.