Mansfield Town manager Nigel Clough believes the prospect of hosting Premier League outfit Fulham in a big incentive ahead of their rearranged FA Cup third round clash against Wigan Athletic.
The Stags were due to welcome Shaun Maloney’s team to the One Call Stadium on Saturday, but the match was postponed due to a frozen pitch. The game was swiftly rearranged for tomorrow night, with the draw for the fourth round taking place after Manchester United’s penalty shoot win over Arsenal yesterday.
The two League One clubs will enter the field knowing that top flight opposition await, with Mansfield hoping they can dish out a defeat to the Latics for the second time this season. The pair met at the Brick Community Stadium in October where goals from Will Evans and Keanu Baccus secured a 2-1 victory for the Nottinghamshire-based side.
Clough Excited By Prospect Of Premier League Opposition
Ahead of the game, Clough has admitted that the chance to host Fulham is a big incentive, although knows that his team have a tough task on their hands to get past Wigan. Speaking to Mansfield & Ashfield Chad, the 58-year-old said:
“It is a good incentive for both teams, drawing a Premier League club at home. It’s a nice prospect if we can get through – which is a big if.
“You always want a home draw or one of the big boys away.
“So with a home draw against a Premier League side, we can’t ask for much more than that.
“It is a second home draw in a row and we have been due some.
“It does add a little bit to tomorrow’s tie. But it is more about just let’s win the game and get through to the next round.
“The draw is irrelevant unless we win tomorrow.”
Writer’s View
Saturday’s postponement means that both Mansfield and Wigan will head into the tie in the unusual position of knowing what is at stake. Fulham may not be seen as one of the Premier League glamour teams, but it is still a big opportunity to welcome a club in the top tier to the One Call Stadium. Clough won’t admit it but he will be quietly confident, especially when taking their recent form into account. The Stags have won four of their last five whilst Wigan have lost their last two.
