Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough expects to face a Carlisle United side "fighting for their lives" tonight.

The Blues take on a home side who have won seven of their last eight games in all competitions.

Manager Clough has steered the Stags into impressive form after a slow start to the campaign.

But he insists the challenge against the third-bottom Cumbrians will be a tough one.

"Keith Millen has gone in there now and I think they will be fighting for their lives," Clough told the Chad.

“I have never seen an easy game in football, but especially in the last 12 months in League Two.

“We've not had an easy one anywhere and I don't think this one will be any different.”

Mansfield start the evening in 15th place and within sight of the top half of the table.

Carlisle are a point outside the bottom two and hoping to overtake fourth-bottom Stevenage tonight.

Mansfield are without the suspended Oli Hawkins, while Danny Johnson and Richard Nartey are set to miss out with injury.