Mansfield Town vs Burton Albion FC preview - Clucas boosts Stags' party

Posted Friday, August 29, 2014 by PA

Sam Clucas is likely to return to Mansfield's starting line-up when Burton visit the One Call Stadium.

Clucas has been kept out of the team in recent weeks by Stags boss Paul Cox while the club held discussions with rivals Chesterfield about a proposed move across the border to Derbyshire. However, the Spireites were unable to come to an agreement for the winger and there is a strong possibility he will return to the starting XI on Saturday.

Cox is unlikely to name an unchanged side for the third successive match after defeat at Dagenham last weekend and defender Martin Riley, midfielders Fergus Bell and Adam Murray and striker Ollie Palmer are options.

Centre-back Luke Jones is making good progress following his recent injury troubles and could again be included in the squad.

Lucas Akins and Stuart Beavon are expected to return to the Burton side.

Winger Akins, who recently suffered a broken hand against Dagenham, and striker Beavon were rested on Wednesday night as Albion caused a Capital One Cup upset by defeating QPR 1-0 at the Pirelli Stadium.

On-loan Leicester striker Jacob Blyth made his debut for Gary Rowett's men as a second-half substitute against Rangers and will hope to make his first league appearance for the club at the weekend.

Lee Bell has been an unused substitute recently as he returns from a knee injury but fellow midfielder Jimmy Phillips and defender Damien McCrory remain out with their knee problems.