The Glovers will be looking to kick things off at home with a win after a dramatic opening day defeat at Bury last weekend.
Darren Way’s side were reduced to nine men with Tom James and Jordan Green both dismissed in Greater Manchester. A valiant defensive display almost earned an unlikely point before the Shakers netted a winner in the last minute.
Returning to Somerset, Town will look to carry on their pre-season form at Huish Park which was rounded off with a 5-1 thumping of League One outfit Plymouth Argyle.
They’ll have to do so without the services of six players to call on with suspended duo James (one match) and Green (three matches) joining the injured quartet of Stuart Nelson (calf), Rhys Browne (hamstring), James Bailey (knee) and Jake Gray (ankle).
There is a boost for the green and whites in the form of Omar Sowunmi who completed the second of a two-match suspension overlapping from last season at Gigg Lane last weekend.
The defender’s return could be timely to help shut out a Mansfield side who romped to a 3-0 victory over Newport County last time out.
Former Glover Otis Khan – who’ll return to his former employers for the first time since leaving this summer – netted twice in the win.
The Stags are tipped for promotion this season and have made six summer signings to date including Nottingham Forest loanee Tyler Walker who also netted on debut against the Exiles.
Head-to-head
Mansfield’s 3-2 win at Huish Park towards the end of last season saw them edge ahead in the head-to-head record.
David Flitcroft’s side have now won four of the 10 encounters since 2003, with Town’s last win coming in 2016 when Ryan Dickson’s late strike won it in Nottinghamshire.
The Glovers last win at home came in 2005 when Darren Way (x2), Phil Jevons, Michael Rose and Arron Davies confirmed a 5-2 romp.
Officials
Neil Hair will be the main in the middle on Saturday.
Promoted to the EFL referee’s list for the 2018/19 campaign Hair will make his first league visit to Huish Park.
Mr Hair will be supported by Kevin Morris and Ronald Ganfield with Christopher Wade acting as fourth official.
Coverage
Nathan Baxter’s and manager Darren Way’s pre-match thoughts are available to view on iFollow Glovers.
On matchday, minute-by-minute updates will be provided on YTFC’s official Twitter account and live matchday centre.
If you’re unable to attend the game, you can listen or watch the game live via the iFollow Glovers service!
A full match report will follow on YTFC.net at full time with post-match reaction from the manager and a member of the playing staff following soon after.
