Nigel Clough, manager of Mansfield Town, feels his team will be strong underdogs in tomorrow night’s EFL Cup third round clash.
For the first time in 18 years, the League Two promotion aspirations have advanced to the third round of the competition, with Clough feeling his team would need to be’very close to their best’ to move further.
“We go into the game as underdogs because of the strengths and quality of the team that we are facing,” Clough stated.
“They are that full league above us, but we know that on our day we can compete with teams from the league above – but to do that we will have to be close to our best.”We will not change our strategy regardless of whose team we field. We will strive to go forward and create and cause problems for them.
“We are buoyant right now and there is a good mood in the camp, we look forward to training, we look forward to games and we just want to keep our run going.”
Stags are unbeaten in League Two, while Posh are tenth in League One after a mixed bag of games recently.
Despite that run, Clough is well aware of the threats Peterborough will pose to his team.
“We understand that they are a league above and a very good side at that, a side who will be up there challenging this season,” said Clough.
“It will be a good open football game between two teams trying to play football.” I’ve always had good games against Darren’s team, so it should be a fantastic cup tie.
“Peterborough have forward pace and athleticism, and they are dangerous on the break.” They have many speedy players.”