The type of season that Mansfield have put together in terms of performance data would usually see them streaking clear at the top of any league. The Stags sit top of the performance metrics for goals scored, goals conceded, expected goals, shots on target per match and big chances created. Only Stockport have conceded a lower xG against (xGA) total than Mansfield over the course of the season as well.

Since the turn of the year, it is Mansfield and Wrexham who are first and second in the expected points table. Wrexham have put up the fourth best xGA numbers in the league in that period, but have done well at managing each game as it comes.

Indeed, the strength of the task faced by the league leaders here is the toughest in League Two. Wrexham have the best PPG of any home team, and they haven’t lost the xG battle at home in their last ten home matches.

Mansfield, for their part, have won six of their last ten away, and only lost the xG battle to Wimbledon in that time. Their demolition of Bradford at Valley Parade last time out actually contributed hugely to their positive data as they created 5.6 xGF and allowed only 1 xGA.

It is a tough one to call, as Mansfield have the best underlying data, but with Wrexham’s home record there is a real challenge to overcome. The draw is a big runner here, but Mansfield would be the smartest team to lean towards.

Mansfield have been the most destructive side in the league and it is tempting to get one of their forwards onside for this match, despite Wrexham’s excellent defensive record.

Davis Keillor-Dunn was a tempting option, but Will Swan actually has a better goals-per-minute ratio than DKD and is a slightly bigger price. Swan has scored in three of his last four matches and has seven in nine in League Two.

From a Wrexham perspective, Paul Mullin has been excellent since his return from a freak injury in pre-season. Mullin will likely start the game and he has six goals in his last five matches, including a hat-trick. He is the obvious choice for Wrexham, but Steven Fletcher is also worth a look.

The veteran has been used as more of an impact sub, which is understandable, but his quality is still impressive for the level and his impact has been excellent. He has the best goals-per-minute ratio in the Wrexham squad, and he would be a good bet in-play or as the last goalscorer when that market becomes available.

Wrexham are favourites in the corner match betting market, and this is understandable, but their price appeals.

The Red Dragons’ 6.74 home corner average is actually the second-best in League Two, behind Mansfield of course, and is something that they use very well, scoring 17 set piece goals from their total of 70. With the size of their central defenders and the target man that they often use, it is a tactic of there’s to play for corners where possible.

Mansfield are no slouches themselves when it comes to set pieces, also having scored 17 from set pieces this season. However, Wrexham concede an average of 4 corners at home, and Mansfield aren’t as strong at winning corners away from home as they are at Field Mill, dropping down to 5.2 per match from over 7 per home outing.