Paul Cox will take no chances to experiment this weekend and will play his strongest starting 11 in Saturday’s FA Cup match at home to Slough.
Cox’s men come up against the joint lowest ranked team remaining in this competition, but the manager was keen to stress that he won’t be taking the game lightly.
“It’s a big game and everyone’s looking forward to it but it won’t be the roll over that people expect,” said Cox.
“It’ll be their [Slough’s] cup final and it’ll be tough, especially in the first 20 minutes [of the match]. We have to take our chances when they come.
Jason Harrison (Mansfield 103.2) is asking the questions from this morning's press meeting.
Jason Harrison (Mansfield 103.2) is asking the questions from this morning's press meeting.
“We have to get things into perspective - the FA Cup is all about giant killing. If we are lucky enough to get into the next round and draw a big club then we would be up against that big club and hoping to upset them.
“We have to be respectful of this fixture. Any team that gets to the first round proper are a decent side.
“We’re hungry to progress in this competition and have to go about our business in a tough and ruthless manner.”
In team news, John Thompson and Nick Wright could be involved in the 18-man squad after completing 90 minutes in a midweek reserve match.
Ryan Tafazolli (hamstring) is ruled out whilst Adam Murray may need an injection in his ankle to be able to play.
