Mansfield Town

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Mansfield Town v Ebbsfleet United

Mansfield Town need to claim maximum points at home to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday to maintain their play-off push.

The Stags are currently third in the Blue Square Bet Premier standings with 71 points from 40 games.

But with second-placed Wrexham and league leaders Fleetwood Town 19 and 24 points better off, Paul Cox's side need only worry about the chasing pack.

Just four points separates Town from sixth-placed Luton, with the race for a top five place heating up with only five weeks of the season remaining.

Seven wins, one draw and one loss - both to leaders Fleetwood - shows a team in fine form while 14th-placed Ebbsfleet have been less than consistent.

Their current position all but ensures survival in the Blue Square Bet Premier this season but not if they continue with their recent trend.

United have a habit of losing after every win and according to recent results are in line for a victory after their 2-1 loss to Alfreton Town last time out.

Stags boss Cox, who watched his side lose 2-0 to Fleetwood on Saturday, says they need at least three more wins to secure a play-off place.

He told This is Nottingham: "We're in a good position in the play-offs and we've got six massive games coming up.

"I believe in my players and I've tried to instill that into them. Any team that finishes on 80 or 82 points at the end of the season will be disappointed if they're not in the play-offs.

"We are competing with teams who have been together and have had everything in place to challenge for promotion for a lot longer.

"There is not as much pressure or expectation on us because it's our first season together.

"The only pressure we are under comes from ourselves because we all want to be successful. If we do it, it will be a fantastic achievement."

John Thompson is set to return to the Stags side after a nightmare first season at Field Mill.

Facial injuries in a pre-season friendly against Ilkeston FC followed by neck and arm problems have limited his contribution but Cox said: "It will give everyone a massive lift.

"We've been doing really well anyway and we've put ourselves in a good position in the league, but to have John back will make us even stronger for the end of the season.

"He's had a nightmare with injuries this season and I really feel for him, but we hope it's behind him now."

Adam Smith is also expected to make his return after suffering a back injury.

Cox added: "It will great to have him back too. He was in his best form since I've been here before he got injured. I'm sure he can quickly get back to his best."

Ebbsfleet manager Liam Daish, meanwhile, says he has hopes of reaching 50 points this season.

He told Kent Online: "Getting to 50 points will be an achievement in itself and a good landmark for the season. It will be a boost for everyone at the club but I don't want to get involved in talking about whether we are safe or targets.

"I just want to keep on pushing and see where we are at the end of the season, not now with eight games left.

"They (Mansfield) have been scoring a lot of goals and are one of the strongest sides up there. We gifted them a couple of goals when they beat us (3-0) at home but we have to go there on Saturday, defend from front to back and give us the platform to do something."

Striker Calum Willock looks set to remain sidelined but midfielder Ram Marwa returns to the side after serving a two-match suspension.

Goalkeeper Preston Edwards and Charlton defender Yado Mambo have both been ruled out for the rest of the season.