Mansfield V Dag Red at One Call Stadium - Match Preview




Stags numbers boosted

Anthony Howell and Kieran Murtagh could both return from injury for Mansfield when Dagenham visit the One Call Stadium.


Howell, primarily a midfielder, missed last weekend's home draw with Portsmouth through injury. Murtagh has yet to feature for the first team this season due to a knee problem but the midfielder came through 90 minutes of a behind-closed-doors friendly this week.


Stags boss Paul Cox said: "I don't know if [Saturday's game] may come a little bit too early for him, but Keiran got through a game this week. He did well, but we may still have to check on him before the weekend."


Ian Deakin remains the only injury absentee. Goalkeeper Deakin suffered a dislocated shoulder during the warm-up against Exeter and could be out for around another three weeks.


Zavon Hines is pushing to make his first start for Dagenham.


Hines made his debut off the bench at half-time in last weekend's clash against Newport and duly changed the game as the Daggers hit back to claim a 1-1 draw.


Manager Wayne Burnett must now decide whether he starts at Field Mill, where Dagenham recorded their first-ever away win in the Football League in 2007.


Fit-again centre-back Luke Wilkinson is also pushing for a starting berth but will find it tough to dislodge either Scott Doe or Brian Saah, while the returning Matt Saunders is hoping for a place on the bench.


Source: PA

Source: PA