Preview: Mansfield Town vs. Carlisle United - prediction, team news, lineups

Carlisle United will continue their bid to push away from the relegation zone on Tuesday night when they travel to face Mansfield Town in their latest League Two encounter.

The hosts are currently sat in midtable but will enter this match with confidence after progressing to the third round of the FA Cup at the weekend.

Match preview

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Mansfield Town were impressive at the weekend when they knocked out Doncaster Rovers in a five-goal thriller within the FA Cup, which saw them fight from behind after conceding in the seventh minute.

A brace from George Lapslie and a goal by William Forrester helped secure the result, which marked the second game in a row that Nigel Clough's side have been able to win.

The Stags defeated Crawley Town in their most recent League Two fixture with Oliver Hawkins and Rhys Oates securing the goals to earn the three points.

It has been an impressive period of time for the club, who have only been defeated once in their previous eight fixtures which is something that will provide confidence to the squad.

Clough will be hoping that his team can continue this string of performances in order to get themselves into the conversation for promotion as they are just seven points away from the playoffs.

Carlisle United have had a difficult season so far, which is why they find themselves just one place above the relegation zone, having won just three games all season.

However, one of those victories did take place in their most recent League Two match as Keith Millen's team defeated Walsall by a goal to nil with Tristan Abrahams getting on the scoresheet.

The result was needed for the Blues, with just one point separating them and Oldham Athletic, which is what is keeping them out of the bottom two spots.

A victory on Tuesday would provide Carlisle the chance to climb into 20th, which is something that could put some distance between themselves and the relegation spots.

After picking up two victories in their previous three matches in all competitions, there is some momentum behind the team for the first time this season, which they will be keen to keep up with.

Team News

Lapslie was kept in the starting XI against Doncaster and after scoring a brace in that FA Cup tie, he is likely to have earned a place again for the midweek encounter.

Mansfield will likely lineup with the traditional 4-4-2 approach, which should lead to plenty of defensive structure throughout the squad.

The visitors are missing Joe Riley at the moment, who is set to be out of action for the majority of the month due to a shoulder problem.

Meanwhile Brennan Dickenson is also on the shelf at the minute, which is likely to keep him out of the squad on Tuesday as well, with Carlisle having dealt with a lot of injury problems throughout the season.

Mansfield Town possible starting lineup:
Howard; Mellor, Feeney, McDonald, Armer; Whelan, Gibson, Guy, Young; Abrahams, Clough

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:
Lineup here

We say: Mansfield Town 2-0 Carlisle United

Even though Carlisle United's performances have improved as of late, this will be a tough task for them to continue that form.

Mansfield Town are enjoying a brilliant run at the moment and with the quality within their squad at the moment, they should have enough to earn another three points.

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