It’s been a depressing Christmas for the Imps so far and they will be looking to secure their first victory in the Festive season as they make the short trek to Mansfield.
But with Simon Yeo back in the side, at least the City faithful will have cause for optimism at Field Mill.
But another poor display and the pressure will undoubtedly pile up on manager Keith Alexander’s shoulders. Now is the time to stand up and be counted
Vital Quotes:
Peter Shirtliff, Mansfield boss:
‘I think any side in this division can beat anyone else on a given day. But it is consistency in performance levels that keeps the sides near the top and that is what I have been preaching since day one when I took over.
‘I think we are now on course and now I just want enough points to be safe. The longer the season goes on then we can start to think about other things.
‘We have another big game at home to Lincoln on Monday and it’s there for us.’
Mansfield Town Team News:
Defender Gareth Jelleyman is suspended for the Stags after collecting five bookings this season. Better news for boss Peter Shirtliff is the return to fitness of Simon Brown after a hamstring problem, although he may have to settle for a place on the bench.
Striker Richard Barker will be pushing for a starting berth after impressing as a sub against Oxford on Saturday and he is likely to return in place of Scottish forward Allan Russell.
Player to watch: Adam Rundle
Former Carlisle winger Rundle has been making the Stags tick of late, and with some silky skills he also possesses an eye for goal, with eight League goals from 32 starts.
Lincoln City Team News:
Last season’s leading scorer Simon Yeo returns to the Imps fold after a brief sabbatical Down Under, although he may have to be content with a place on the sub’s bench. Meanwhile, Marvin Robinson should retain his place after scoring against Darlington on Saturday.
Skipper Paul Morgan remains sidelined with a broken foot, while full-back Lee Beevers missed the Quakers match with a slight knock and is expected to be absent again.
Player to watch: Simon Yeo
Whether he starts or not, Yeo should still take some part in the match, with City crying out for a striker who can regularly find the back of the net. The former soldier topped the charts last season for the Imps with 23 goals and his return to the club has been much heralded in Lincolnshire.
Match Facts & Stats
Last six matches:
Mansfield ? LWdLDW
Lincoln ? DWWdLD
Last six home:
Mansfield ? LLWWdD
Last six away:
Lincoln ? WLLDWL
Top goalscorers:
Mansfield: Richard Barker 14, Simon Brown 10
Lincoln: Gary Birch 8, Nat Brown 7
Match Prediction:
Mansfield will be buoyed by their win at Oxford on Saturday, while Lincoln will once again come into a match deflated by a previous performance. But the fact the Stags have an FA Cup tie at Newcastle on Saturday could make them cautious for fear of getting injured and this could play into the Imps’ hands. 2-1 to Lincoln.
Next Fixtures:
Mansfield: Jan 7 ? Newcastle (a), FA Cup 3rd rnd
Lincoln: Jan 7 – Wrexham (a), League Two
