Top Hatters lock horns with Stags in battle at the top
TOP versus second takes place in League Two as Stockport host Mansfield, with both being held to draws the previous outing.
Hatters boss Dave Challinor introduced both Kyle Wootton and Ryan Croasdale at half-time of their 0-0 draw with Bradford and the pair combined to create their best chance of the game.
For Mansfield’s part, they were pegged back by Doncaster to draw 1-1, with victory over Stockport cutting the gap at the top to two points – with the Stags having two games in hand, too.
Wrexham manager Paul Parkinson admitted they will have to take their shock 3-1 loss to Walsall in their stride as the Welsh side look to bounce back against fourth-placed Barrow.
He said: “We will take this one on the chin together and move on to Barrow on New Year’s Day.”
Wrexham have not had back-to-back defeats in the league this season and Barrow would leapfrog them into third if they win.
Boss Pete Wild made three half-time subs in the 1-1 draw with Accrington and must decide if Kian Spence, Emile Acquah and Ben Whitfield have done enough to warrant starts.
Having scored eight goals and conceded none, Notts County will hope the good times keep on coming when they travel to Prenton Park to take on Tranmere.
Nigel Adkins’ side are in form, though, having won four of their five games over the festive period to climb to a few points off midtable in the division.
MK Dons have climbed into the play-offs after a run of four straight wins and will hope they have enough to see off a Doncaster side without a league win in December.
Ellis Harrison and Ethan Robson are pushing to start, while Doncaster must check on goalkeeper Ian Lawlor, who was subbed off in their draw with Mansfield.
Crewe’s stuttering form continued when they drew with Newport and they host an in-form Bradford, who have won six and drawn two of their previous eight games in all competitions.
Colchester welcome Gillingham, but will be without the services of Cameron Mcgeehan who was sent off in their eightgoal thriller with Wimbledon last time out.
Similarly with suspension problems are Sutton, who are missing Harry Smith when they host Newport.
Bottom-side Forest Green battle play-off chasing Wimbledon, with Fankaty Dabo and Teddy Jenks potentially losing their starting spots.
After their win over Salford, Grimsby take on 13th-placed Walsall.
Elsewhere, Morecambe host Harrogate Town, Salford are on their travels to take on Accrington at the Wham Stadium, while Crawley will be without the suspended Laurence Maguire for the visit of