The Opposition View: Mansfield Town

Last updated : 23 April 2015 By Jim Bonner

What is your assessment of Mansfield's season overall?

Not been a great one. The football on offer has been awful to say the least and we sacked our manager in November. The new boss Muzza wants to play a certain way but the players available to him aren't up to it. The fact we have stayed up after scoring 36 goals all season is an achievement in itself.

Who have your best performers been this season?

Ritchie Sutton has been solid at the back. You always know what you're getting with Sutts. No nonsense, reliable and strong. Probably our player of the season. Another is young Jack Thomas. He has recently come into the side and looks a class above the rest of the squad. He is one to watch.

What are the biggest strengths and weaknesses of this Stags side?

We are a physical side, Try and kick us off the park and we'll probably win the game but if you come and play football we struggle then. Our biggest weakness is scoring goals, Creating chances would be a start. As I touched on above 36 goals in 44 games is shocking.

What kind of match can we expect at Field Mill on Saturday? Are you likely to play some reserves/youth players?

I think you'll see a couple. Liam Marsden, Jack Thomas and maybe one or two others. Murray wants to win this game so I can't see him throwing too many at it. We might actually go 4-4-2 though instead of just one up front!

Do everything in your power to convince everyone reading this that Portsmouth won't lose on Saturday.

Portsmouth fans, You won't lose. Well unless we win, then you'll lose!

Predict the outcome of the match.

1-1. Another draw, like our last three meetings. If you can score more than one, though, then you will win. We have not won a game by more than a single goal all season and also have not had a penalty since November 2013!