Speaking to the Nottingham Evening Post, Slade said "We know Mansfield are a half-decent side - they were unlucky to lose to us at Blundell Park last month.
"They are certainly better than their league position suggest and their fantastic result at Wycombe is testimony to that. We will have to be strong and ready for a tough match but we know we have the ability to get something out of the game.
"Our away form has been really good this year and hopefully that will continue at Field Mill.
"It's great to go to the top of the league and we want to stay there. We have ground out some good results in the last few games and hopefully we can build on those wins."
"Richie Barker is quality in my book.
"He is a strong centre-forward and will always get goals. The last two times we have played Mansfield, he has been the main threat and I expect he will be again.''
-------------
full match preview in todays Evening Post