Burnley vs Mansfield Town: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 14 February 2026
Mansfield
One of the FA Cup fourth-round clashes will unfold this Saturday at Turf Moor in Burnley, where the local Premier League side welcomes Mansfield Town. Let’s break down the key storylines for this cup encounter, with the top-flight hosts aiming to prove their favourite status against the ambitious League One visitors.
- Also read: Liverpool vs Brighton: prediction, head-to-head, and probable line-ups – 14 February 2026
Match preview
Burnley enter this fixture riding a wave of emotion after a dramatic 3-2 Premier League triumph over Crystal Palace. Scott Parker’s men were trailing 0-2 by the 33rd minute but turned the match around before the interval thanks to goals from Hannibal, Jaidon Anthony, and a Lerma own goal. Although the Clarets remain in the relegation zone and sit nine points adrift of safety, such a comeback could prove pivotal for their mentality.
In the FA Cup, Burnley have already cruised past Millwall (5-1) and traditionally look solid at Turf Moor. While injuries are a concern – Tuanzebe, Cullen, Amdouni, Beyer, and Roberts are sidelined, and Hannibal is doubtful – the squad’s depth allows for rotation. Veteran Ashley Barnes, who bagged a brace in the previous round, is likely to start again and bring his trademark physical presence to unsettle the visitors’ defence.
Mansfield have already become one of the Cup’s stories, having knocked out Sheffield United in a fiery third-round clash (4-3). However, Nigel Clough’s side have lost steam since mid-January: in their last five outings, they’ve suffered just one defeat but are winless, with four draws and a single loss to Peterborough (1-2). The main issue is a drop in attacking output – after a streak of high-scoring wins, the Stags have managed no more than a single goal per game.
Even so, Mansfield remain a tough side on the road, unbeaten away from home since late November. Louis Reed and Rhys Oates were key figures in the previous Cup round, and Clough will again count on their attacking spark. However, against Premier League opposition, clinical finishing will be absolutely vital.
Probable line-ups
- Burnley: Weiss, Walker, Ekdal, Esteve, Hartman, Lewis, Ward-Prowse, Tshouna, Larsen, Anthony, Barnes
- Mansfield Town: Roberts, Oshilaja, Sweeney, Noyle, Akins, Lewis, Reed, Blake-Tracy, Maris-Walsh, Oates, Evans
Match facts and head-to-head
- Burnley have won the last six head-to-head meetings with Mansfield by an aggregate score of 13-1 (the most recent in 2004).
- In the previous FA Cup round, Burnley thrashed Millwall (5-1), while Mansfield knocked out Sheffield United (4-3).
- Mansfield are winless in their last five games in all competitions, scoring no more than one goal per match.
Prediction
Burnley have caught an emotional wave after their London comeback and should dictate play at home. Mansfield have the grit to compete, but their recent lack of goals and the gap in quality may prove decisive. Expect a hard-fought but deserved progression for the hosts.
