Predicted Mansfield Town line-up for clash with Exeter City

Clough switched between formations in the 0-0 home draw with Wycombe Wanderers last weekend during the game with initially two, then one, up front and first three, then four at the back.

Exeter are no mugs but it is a game Stags will fancy winning to extend their unbeaten run to nine matches.

But, with six games this month and a hectic schedule ahead, he will take no chances on anyone with knocks as he no longer has to.

Liam Roberts is fit and well and will play in goal without doubt.

With Baily Cargill feeling his hamstring tighten and coming off at half-time last Saturday, I can see him being rested and looked at again for the midweek clash with Peterborough with Frazer Blake-Tracy completing a back three with Deji Oshilaja and Ryan Sweeney.

Stephen McLaughlin can come in to provide some width at left wing back and, with Elliott Hewitt suffering some hip pain last Saturday and coming off after 45 minutes, Kyle Knoyle is now fit again and a perfect replacement to start on the right for as long as he lasts, having upped his minutes with a midweek reserve outing, as did McLaughlin.

Regan Hendry and Aaron Lewis will compete with Jon Russell for their places in the centre of midfield but Louis Reed is available again after suspension and, despite the manager's anger at his red card, is a vital player and may well come straight back in.

Rhys Oates and Oliver Irow supporting lone striker Will Evans, though Evans could play wide and Oates down the middle.

Another combination could be Lewis as holding midfielder with Hendry, Russell and Irow behind a front pairing of Oates and Evans.

Whatever selection is made, it will also be with one eye on Tuesday night.

POSSIBLE STAGS SIDE: Roberts, Knoyle, Oshilaja, Sweeney, Blake-Tracy, McLaughlin, Hendry, Reed, Irow, Evans, Oates.