Lincoln will be looking to bounce back from their midweek mauling at local rivals Grimsby Town as they face Darlington at Sincil Bank.
And for some City players, they could be playing in the last chance saloon as boss Keith Alexander will be looking to shake things up when the transfer window re-opens.
So can they up the ante and end the year on a high, or will it be another dose of doom and gloom for the Imps faithful?
Vital Quotes:
Lincoln City Team News:
Dean Keates returns after a three-match ban to boost City manager Keith Alexander. Skipper Paul Morgan remains on the sidelines with an ankle injury and he could be joined by full-back Lee Beevers who is doubtful after picking up a knock against Grimsby. Alexander is ready to make changes after the 3-0 defeat against Grimsby in midweek, with Marvin Robinson, Matt Bloomer and Jeff Hughes all in the reckoning for starting berths.
Player to watch: Dean Keates
City have missed Keates’ battling qualities over the Christmas period and his return will be a massive boost to boss Keith Alexander. Along with Colin Cryan, the tenacious Keates has arguably been Lincoln’s best player this season and he will be looking to make an immediate impact on his return.
Darlington Team News:
Quakers goalkeeper Bertrand Bossu is absent with a broken foot and he is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks. The club have signed Middlesbrough stopper David Knight on an emergency loan deal and he will go straight into the side. Elsewhere, it has been confirmed that Joey Hutchison suffered cruciate ligament damage on Boxing Day and he’s ruled out for the rest of the season, but Ryan Valentine is available again after suspension.
Player to watch: Carlos Logan
Former Manchester City trainee Logan is proving to be one of the signings of the season in the lower leagues. A regular in the Quakers line-up, the young winger has been an instrumental figure for David Hodgson’s side, with his wizardry on the flanks and has also chipped in with a few goals.
Match Facts & Stats
Last six matches:
Lincoln ? DDWWDL
Darlington ? LDLWDW
Last six home matches:
Lincoln ? LDDDWd
Last six away matches:
Darlington ? LLLLWD
Match Prediction:
Lincoln’s recent home form is not good, while Darlington’s away record this season is poor ? looks like a draw then…
Next Fixtures:
Lincoln:
Jan 2 ? Mansfield (a)
Darlington:
Jan 2 ? Torquay (h)
