MA: “We’re just raring to go.”

It was a case of short, sweet and to the point from Michael Appleton ahead of the long-awaited return to action at Burton on Saturday.

The Lay Off: It was an extended break not at the choice of the club but was an opportunity to re-group. MA is open-minded about the benefits or otherwise of a winter break. He can see the benefits from a playing point of view but also understands how much supporters look forward to football during the festive period. MA personally doesn’t know how the lay off will have affected the players as opposed to Burton having played regularly so with regard to that the first 20 minutes will be crucial for seeing how the team get back into rhythm. What MA can say is that he has kept on top of the players to keep their fitness and sharpness levels as high as possible. Everyone is raring to go and chomping at the bit. If the players are anything like him then they will be desperate to get back into action.

Down the line, MA is looking forward to some home games where form has been good whilst also embracing the prospect of a crammed Christmas against top opposition. That is something to be excited about, not concerned.

Will The Imps win, lose or draw against Burton Albion?

Win

Lose

Draw

Injuries: Whilst there has been some gain to the break it is worth bearing in mind that a number of the injuries haven’t been 7 – 10-day type in nature; rather they have been in the substantial category of 6 – 8 weeks.

Burton Albion: Nigel Clough knows Burton Albion very well having had two considerable spells at the helm. They have a nice mixture of experience with legs, youth and pace to balance that out in other areas. Having watched Burton recently MA was impressed by how they dominated the game even when Burton were reduced to 10 men. MA was aware before arriving at Lincoln and since he has been here what great support the club has and knows the fans will be raring to go as much as he and the players are. That support will be needed over the Xmas period also.

Writer: hulloutpost