Mansfield Town v Charlton Athletic | Tuesday 1 April 2025 | Match Preview

Introduction
When the samba rhythm starts to play... a wonderful display from the free scoring Addicks made the Terriers pay. And no, that's not me making new lyrics for the song, TC deserves all the praise he gets because that was probably one of the most dangerous performances by a Charlton player for quite some time. Two excellent finishes, an assist for the 4th, and well earned standing ovation as he got his rest ahead of this midweek's trip. 8 wins in a row at home is amazing for any level and the reaction and result after our last away performance shows real character in the group. If we miss out on automatic promotion, then fine, because there won't be a single team wanting to face us in this season's play-offs. Before we get ahead of ourselves too much though, let's focus on being the best version of ourselves on Tuesday. We travel to Mansfield Town.    

Opposition
Stadium: Field Mill
Manager: Nigel Clough
Nickname(s): The Stags
League Form: DDDLWW
Previous result: A 2-1 win away at Bristol Rovers. Their line up was:

Mansfield have won two games on the spin, in fact, they were their first wins since the beginning of the year. During that time, The Stags went 13 games without a win, losing 9 of them. Nigel Clough always seems to have a reputation of a very streaky manager, both for wins and for prolonged periods without, hopefully on Tuesday we can ensure we continue our own run and put an end to any potential streak they may go on. Since our stalemate in the reverse fixture in December, Mansfield have picked up 22 points, whereas we have picked up 45 with only Birmingham (47) accumulating more. In a game where it looked both teams were set for a mid-table finish, our paths since have gone in very different directions. Our form has been automatic promotion worthy, theirs have been relegation. If the bottom 4 weren't so poor/cut adrift, until recently Mansfield would have looked in serious trouble. Instead, their last two results have given them the breathing space to end up finishing lower mid-table. 

For their win at Bristol Rovers at the weekend, Boateng came off in the first half whilst one of the goal scorers, Vickers, came off at half-time so there will be question marks over the fitness of both. For those who remember the name, Dom Dwyer, now plays for Mansfield and scored what turned out to be the winner in Bristol. The former US international striker, born in England, spent some time on trial with us a number of years ago but we made the decision not to sign him and so he continued his career in the MLS. He has since returned home to the UK and signed for Mansfield in early March until the end of the season. He is joined by an EFL veteran, Jordan Rhodes, who signed for The Stags on loan in January. As usual in my previews, I try to look for Charlton connections (sometimes you cannot miss them like Leyton Orient and Crawley), and as we all know, Deji Oshilaja is a key player now for Mansfield and started in defence at the weekend. Able to, and often does, play in midfield, he allows The Stags the chance to change their formation and despite two wins in a row, with the potential of injuries, they could go to a back 5 against us to nullify the threat we possess. It would also be unfair not to mention a couple of other players, Will Evans up front was signed from Newport County in the summer of 2024 and has scored 12 league goals this season. If he's fit, he will start, he also hasn't scored since the middle of February so will be looking to end that goal drought.

Nathan Jones was able to recall Josh Edwards on Saturday, allowing us to start with what I believe is our best team. The 4-0 thrashing of a play-off chasing rival was one of intent and will have made the rest of the league take note. The Addicks are a serious team now under Jones and are putting in performances reflective of the man in charge. Intense, aggressive, passionate, front footed, and with a bit of quality throughout - watching Charlton at the moment is enjoyable.

Godden continue to leads the line incredibly well, showing once again his ability and how he's played above this level. We've got TC running down the wing making the Charlton sing, causing opposition problems all the time and starting to find that quality end product making him so invaluable. I think it was fantastic for Small getting the assist within the first minute, crossing with his weak foot would've shown him he's more than capable of that, whilst it shows teams he can go either way. And a mention for Luke Berry, who constantly picks up the ball in half spaces making it difficult for teams to deal with him, he's playing well and is overdue a goal, I think that'll come on Tuesday.

On the bench we got to see Kahiem Dixon, and the young Jamaican international came on and played well alongside Aneke. He was also taken down in the box where a penalty ought to have been awarded. His pace, unpredictability, and eagerness to impress could be a good option from the bench in this run in, especially as we are without Leaburn and Kanu. His performances for U21's mean he deserved his chance and he done himself no harm whatsoever.

You don't change the team after a 4-0 win. Same team, same squad, same outcome.