The last time City came up against Wycombe`s Portuguese goalkeeper Ricardo Batista, they blasted four goals past him – in a Cup tie against Fulham – and the Imps will be hoping to achieve a similar feat as they make the trip to the Causeway Stadium on Saturday.
And after losing the only unbeaten record in the Football League at home to MK Dons last week, John Schofield`s men will be keen to get back on track in Buckinghamshire, but know they are in for yet another tough game against the side currently sitting on top of the League Two pile.
The Chairboys are the country`s most in-form team having rattled off eight straight victories, including a 2-1 League Cup shock at Premiership side Fulham in midweek.
New manager Paul Lambert has proved a revelation since stepping into the Wycombe hotseat and he has taken a decent team and turned them into a formidable outfit – and if City are to make it seven away League wins in a row then they will definitely have to be on top of their game.
They won 3-0 at the Causeway Stadium back in April as the Imps made a late surge to the play-offs, and they will need another display of similar attacking prowess, albeit under a new tactical and aesthetically-pleasing style, if they are to come away with the spoils.
The one concern for head coach John Schofield is whether Mark Stallard will return to the starting XI as he struggles to shake off a hip injury – he and Jamie Forrester have been in sparkling form this season, scoring nine goals between them and it remains to be seen how the balance of the side will be affected if Stallard misses out, although Martin Gritton has proved to be an able replacement.
A win for City would nicely set up the midweek derby clash with Boston, for which around 2,000 Imps fans are expected to make the trek down the A15 and wouldn`t it be nice if Lincoln headed for York Street looking to bag their ninth successive away win in the League?
Vital Quotes:
Paul Morgan, Lincoln City skipper:
Wycombe will be full of confidence following their win over Fulham and they`ll be up for it, there is no doubt about that.
‘Wycombe are at home, so the onus will be on them to attack us and we will have to make the most of our chances.’
Paul Lambert, Wycombe boss:
I say it every week ,but every game is very tough and I don`t expect it to be any different against Lincoln.
Games are coming thick and fast and you don`t get any respite. We have to pick people up and go again.’
Wycombe Team News:
Goalkeeper Ricardo Batista returns for the Chairboys after being rested for the midweek Cup win at Fulham – he replaces Jamie Young between the sticks.
Full-back Sam Stockley should also return after recovering from an ankle injury, so on-loan Vincent Fernandez will make way.
Sergio Torres (knee), Ian Stonebridge (hamstring) and Stefan Oakes (ankle) are all still sidelined, but Chris Palmer should be okay to play after playing in the Cottagers’ clash after a swift recovery from a dislocated shoulder.
Player to watch: Jermaine Easter
The former Stockport striker endured a slow start to his Wycombe career last season, netting just twice in 17 games after his arrival from the Hatters.
But the 24-year-old Welshman has shown just why the Chairboys splashed out for his services after netting nine goals in his first 11 outings of the new season.
Lincoln City Team News:
It’s touch-and-go as to whether Mark Stallard makes the line-up for City after hobbling off with an ankle injury against MK Dons last week – if he doesn’t make it, then Martin Gritton will join Jamie Forrester up front.
City’s only two casualties remain Gary Birch (knee) and Nat Brown (wrist), while Danny Bacon will not be involved after joining Worksop on loan.
Player to watch: Lee Frecklington
The 21-year City midfielder has come of age this season after finally being handed a decent chance in the Imps side.
He was constantly – and scandalously – overlooked by previous boss Keith Alexander for much of last season, but he has taken his chance with both hands this term, turning in a series of impressive performances, and has attracted the attentions of numerous Premiership scouts this season.
Match Facts & Stats
Wycombe:
ast six matches: WWWWWW
Lincoln:
ast six matches:
Match Prediction:
If City continue to play like they have been doing then they can take something from this game – and I reckon they will cause a minor upset by nabbing a 2-2 win.
Next Fixtures:
Wycombe:
uesday 26 September: Swindon (h)
Lincoln:
ednesday 27 September: Boston (a)
