Mansfield vs Peterborough United
Carabao Cup
Round 3
Tuesday
26th September 2023
One Call Stadium
The most comprehensive preview, detailed analysis and reliable predictions of the EFL League Cup fixture between Mansfield and Peterborough United.
Mansfield vs Peterborough United: Preview
Mansfield form analysis
The Stags began their League Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, conceding late after going ahead through Musaba. A goalless league draw at home to Bradford followed.
Mansfield then earned an impressive 0-3 away win at Accrington in the league thanks to goals from Keillor-Dunn, Maris and Lewis. However, they needed a stoppage time equalizer from Keillor-Dunn to salvage a 1-1 away draw with Colchester next time out. Most recently, Mansfield returned to winning ways by beating Barrow 1-0 at home, Clarke netting the winner.
Overall, Mansfield have been solid defensively, keeping 3 clean sheets in their 5 games so far. New striker Keillor-Dunn has impressed with 2 goals from wide areas. However, Mansfield have lacked a cutting edge at times, scoring just 5 goals.
If manager Nigel Clough can get his forward line clicking, Mansfield have shown they have the defensive organization to compete this season. Their away win at Accrington demonstrated their potential. But adding greater productivity in attack is key, especially in turning draws into wins.
Peterborough United form analysis
Peterborough began with a 1-3 home loss to Portsmouth despite Jones putting them ahead early on. They responded by beating Cambridge United 2-0 in the EFL Cup through goals from Katongo and Mason-Clark. A 1-1 home draw with Leyton Orient came next, with Kyprianou’s opener canceled out by Beckles.
Peterborough returned to winning ways with an impressive 3-0 victory over Cheltenham, thanks to goals from Burrows, Clarke-Harris and Kioso. Most recently they drew 1-1 away at Bolton, with Clarke-Harris again on target before being pegged back right after.
Overall, Peterborough’s results have been inconsistent but performances have been steadily improving. Clarke-Harris has led the line well, scoring in his last 3 games. But shoring up defensively remains key after conceding 6 in their opening 2 matches. The wins over Cambridge and Cheltenham demonstrated Peterborough’s potential when focused. If manager Darren Ferguson can build on these positives and cut out individual errors, Peterborough can challenge for promotion again this season.
