The Opposition View: Mansfield Town

Last updated : 11 November 2016 By Jim Bonner

What do you make of Mansfield's season so far?

Steady. We are just below where I expected due to not winning our home games. We've only won two all season but a couple of away wins and a lot of draws has kept us in the play-off mix so far.

How bad was Craig Westcarr at Mansfield after he left Portsmouth?

He started OK but after about seven or eight games he barely ever featured. I believe he plays for Alfreton and he's not very good there, either.

Who are the key players in the Mansfield squad?

Matt Green: he's the goals. If he doesn't play, I don't know where our goals would come from. Also, Jamie McGuire is little terrier in midfield, He has questionable technical ability but his fight, desire and leadership make him first name on the team sheet, for me. 

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

The main strength is the defence, We don't concede many and are hard to break down, Our weakness is definitely converting chances as there have been many games this season where we've wasted key chances and then gone on to lose games.

Mansfield have drawn every League Two game at Fratton Park so would you take that same result again on Saturday?

Yes, We've drew most of our games on the road this season which would be fine if we were taking the points at home but we aren't. Nevertheless, Portsmouth have a good squad and it's not an easy place to go so we'd all take a point now.

Predict the outcome of the game.

2-1 to Pompey.