United have lost eight successive games in the league and a ninth straight loss would create a new club record. They are 10 points adrift at the foot of the league and have made their worst ever start to a season since joining the Football League in 1928. Manager Paul Simpson will again be missing from the first team for the visit of the fourth-placed Stags. He has not featured since the 2-0 defeat at Northampton on September 17. However a specialist gave him a clean bill of health this week and he hopes to be fit for the trip to Whaddon Road, Cheltenham next week. Midfielder Chris Billy and defender Darren Kelly are back after suspension, but Kelly will have to shake off a bout of flu first. Richie Foran and Steve Livingstone are banned, Foran completing his four-match suspension. Goalkeeper Matty Glennon will be available despite having eight stitches inserted in his cheek after a clash with Oldham striker Calvin Zola last week in the FA Cup. On loan full back Paul Arnison will also be available again after being cup-tied at Boundary Park. High-flying Town are managed by Simpson's former Wolves team-mate Keith Curle. The Stags were relegated from Division Two last season with the worst defensive record in the country. They have conceded 23 goals this term, the highest figure for any club in the top seven. But their 38 goals scored puts them joint top in the division alongside leaders Hull City. In contrast United possess the division's weakest attack with just 11 goals from 17 games. Top scorer Foran is missing again and he is followed in the scoring charts by Brian Wake who has netted just twice, both in the LDV Vans Trophy. Picture from News & Star |
