Neil Aspin is expecting a tough matchup this weekend as his Port Vale side travel to play-off chasing Mansfield Town.
The Valiants could secure safety in the Football League on Saturday if they are to beat The Stags in testing conditions.
Speaking ahead of the game, the gaffer believes that the game could be an unpredictable one with David Flitcroft taking over at the helm a couple of months ago.
He said: “You can’t predict any game in this league.
“Whether they have a change or manager, or no change. I know they have beaten their local rivals in a derby and it’s given them a kickstart. They are playing teams lower than them in the table so they will be after nine points to get themselves into the play-offs.
“They will see it as a good opportunity to do that, so we have to go there and get something ourselves.”
Aspin will also see the return of experienced midfielder Danny Pugh who returns after his three-match suspension. Pugh could be involved in the game on Saturday wherever on the field.
“I consider Danny Pugh as a player who can come into the team be versatile,” he said.
“I always consider him to be involved because he’s done a good job since I’ve been here. He’s a good professional, he knows the game and he’s a credit to his profession.”
The gaffer added that the likes of Pugh, Michael Tonge and Antony Kay add something different to the squad and has credited their overall impact in the squad’s dressing room.
He added: “I think supporters always have their favourites.
“But, we need to use the attributes that they have and back it up with other players around them.”