Mansfield Town look to gain momentum as they take on Leyton Orient

After a great 2-0 win last time out for the Stags against Carlisle United, Mansfield will look to make it back to back wins against Sky Bet League Two newcomers Leyton Orient.

Mansfield Town host Leyton Orient for the first time since 2017 following Orient’s relegation to the National League. Going into this game, Mansfield look strong after a 2-0 win over Carlisle that took them back into the top ten of the league whilst the O’s continue to make steady progress with a 0-0 draw against Stevenage.

Team news

Mansfield Town will be without long-term absentees Craig Davies and Bobby Olejnik for the clash. Defender Matt Preston will be suspended for this game.

Leyton Orient will be without club captain Jobi McAnuff, winger James Dayton and Jamie Turley due to injuries.

Stags boss John Dempster says that the ‘perfect away performance’ against Carlisle that earned him his first league win as Mansfield boss is something he will ‘remember for the rest of his life.’

“I think it was [the perfect away performance]. We had a game plan and I thought, to a man, they [players]were outstanding today.

“I saw great leadership from individuals today and the game management was a joy to watch at times.

“I know the purists want to watch total football, but I like to see the gritty side of the game.

“It’s not about me today, but 18 years ago I made my league debut here, so it’s funny how football throws up these scenarios.

“I’m really pleased and proud of the players. We’ll dust them down and prepare for next week, but I think it’s important that the players enjoy tonight.

Orient interim boss, Ross Embleton reveals Orient close to new signing

“We have been looking for a midfield player because of the way the squad sits,” he confirmed at the weekend.

“We are very, very, very close to getting something done over the next couple of days. We had conversations with a club on Friday and Saturday and depending on how quickly we can get the paperwork done we may potentially have him by the time we play Mansfield and if not, hopefully done by the weekend.”

Head-to-head

The past five meetings between the two clubs have been even with the Stags winning twice and Orient also winning twice with one draw in 2015 ending 1-1.

Expected line-ups

Mansfield Town XI – Logan; Benning, White, Pearce, Sweeney, Gordon; Tomlinson, Bishop, MacDonald; Maynard, Rose.

Leyton Orient XI – Brill; Ekpiteta, Coulson, Happe; Ling, Clay, Marsh, Widdowson, Brophy; Wilkinson, Angol.