Michael Appleton: “First and foremost we have to try and concentrate on being hard to beat.”

Ahead of the Sheffield Wednesday clash, Michael Appleton explained how he foresees his side’s natural attacking intent coming good over time.

You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum!

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Injury Front: Joe Walsh has a grade 1 or grade 2 tear to his (other) quad. It has been scanned and MA will provide a clearer update before the match but Joe will probably be out between 2 and 6 weeks. It’s not as bad an injury as seen previously and had it been a key stage of the season the player would have probably persevered with an injection. However, it is still quite early in the season so the right policy is to manage the injury more conservatively.

Regan Poole will have a fitness test before the match but MA expects him to be available. Other than Joe Walsh there are no new injuries to report.

Style of Play: MA responded to the statistics that goals scored this season are similar to last year, with the big difference being the number of goals conceded the significant factor this time around.

“First and foremost we have to try and concentrate on being hard to beat but at the same time not getting away from what we are about and what we have been about for the last two years….attack-minded, because I think when we do click……scoring on a regular basis; that will always be our go-to and our strength”.

MA does not see the Imps perceived as a side that grind out a lot of narrow victories by keeping a lot of clean sheets. In the short term though, until the side does click as an attacking force he could certainly see the benefit of trying to maintain a settled goalkeeper and back four over a sustained period. MA felt that would provide the platform to pick up a couple of helpful 1-0 victories along the way.

Another aspect that MA has identified as needing of keeping an eye on is the number of clear goal-scoring opportunities the opposition create, with the Charlton game being a prime example. Even though they were restricted to a significantly small 7% of possession in the Lincoln final third, they still managed to have two such chances without ever being in the game.

MA long term was not overly concerned and felt that the situation would swing in favour of the Imps. “It’s about being brave, taking it on the chin, being resilient. Over a period of time, if we’re prepared to do that and continue to be braver then things will be fine”.

Sheffield Wednesday: It’s another big game in the ilk of the Sunderland play-off game (away). MA realised that had been a shock to some of the younger players and joked he didn’t want a repeat of the first half seen at the Stadium of Light.

“They’ve made a better start than we have but I’m guessing in terms of where they want to be…..automatic promotion is their aim this year; they’re a bit off that at the minute. So they’ll try and put that right on Saturday”.

MA was of the view that Sheffield Wednesday performances had been better than their results, highlighting they really should have won their recent games versus AFC Wimbledon and Cambridge. That was something to be mindful of but from those two matches, it was also clear that the Imps will have their own chances to score. Therefore it is up to the Imps to stay in the game, be resilient and ensure ‘we’ capitalise on our opportunities.

Writer: hulloutpost

Thank you to Graham Burrell and Lincoln City Football Club for the photograph!