Last season's game at Mansfield was one of the highlights for the Imps as Jamie Forrester thumped four into the Stags net as the Imps won 4-2, extending what would eventually turn out to be a record breaking run of consecutive wins on the road. It was a decent all around performance from the Imps, but we were fortunate that Marriott was on form to keep out many of Mansfield's shots.

It seems a long time ago since that game and how times have changed. Back then City were the best footballing side in the division, could score goals for fun and didn't concede many goals.

Fast forward 12 months and City's defence is equivalent to a sieve and the opposition look like scoring whenever they attack. Confidence is certainly low at Sincil Bank and despite Mansfield being the closest team geographically to City in this division, not many fans are expected to travel after the half-hearted displays of the last week.

City will start with Marriott, whereas the defence in front of him is slightly more predictable than it was a few days ago. Ryan Amoo was a very competent right back and none of Doncaster's goals on Tuesday came from his side. He his left will probably be Adie Moses. The former Huddersfield defender was one of the best player's in an Imps shirt on Tuesday night, and the defence looked far more secure than it did when he wasn't in the side for the Shrewsbury game.

Nat Brown is expected to retain a first team place despite suffering the wrath of many City fans who have blamed him for most of the goals we've conceded. Left back will more than likely see Paul Green fill in during the injury caused absense of Gary Croft. This will more than likely be the side that Mansfield will attack due to Green being unable to kick accurately with his left foot.

In midfield you're pretty much guaranteed to see Kerr, Frecklington and N'Guessan, with Louis Dodds possibly deputising on the left. Alternatively Owain Warlow might be given his first League start for the Imps after signing a new 2 year contract on Thursday.

Pressure is on the management to drop Steve Torpey after a rather negative reaction during his substitution on Tuesday night, if he is replaced then it will almost certainly be by Mark Stallard. Whoever does start will more than likely partner Jamie Forrester up front.

Mansfield spent quite a part of last season in the relegation zone and will hoping to survive their seemingly annual relegation scrap. They haven't been the same since losing the Playoff Final in 2004 and that's why I predicted them to finish 24th. The fact they signed Jon McAliskey indicates how desperate their situation is becoming.

To view the video from last season's trip to Mansfield then please visit the relevant Youtube page.

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