Hecks: Stags will have to be on the 'Money'
The Hatters have recently appointed Richard Money to succeed Mick Harford, who was relieved of his duties at the start of October.
Money has already inspired the Bedfordshire club to an FA Cup first round victory over Rochdale.
And Heckingbottom knows the Luton players will still be at the stage where they are out to impress their new boss.
"It can be a difficult one when you are playing a team with a new manager and I have seen that before in my career," he said.
"Players who are out of favour under their previous manager get a lift because they are back in the running and that in turn gives the players who are in the side a nudge.
"You do generally tend to see an upturn in performances, which is going to make it tough.
"They are a good side with a good squad and they went to Rochdale, who are flying high in League Two, and won 2-0.
"They are definitely going to be up there come the end of the season. I expect them to stay in the top five or six, if not chase Oxford down along with the likes of us."
Mansfield were beaten 4-1 at Kenilworth Road in their second game of the season.
Heckingbottom is hoping Mansfield can exact some kind of revenge and keep themselves in the play-off places in the process.
He said: "Luton is a big game and they looked a good team when we played them down there.
"We scored early but then sat back and defended and probably invited the pressure a bit too much.
"But I'm sure we won't be doing that this time at home and it will be a fiery encounter.
"We have to play as if this game is our last, be strong and quick, which are our strengths."
Paul Heckingbottom
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