Michael Appleton appeared reassuringly focussed yet relaxed, ahead of the seminal second leg of the play-off semi-final versus Sunderland.
You can discuss what Michael Appleton said earlier today HERE, as well as many other topics on our 100% Imps forum! We have also published a Lincoln City v Sunderland Quiz, which can be found just below the summary. Every page view helps raise money for Lincoln City Football Club!
Injury Update: Alex Palmer is fit and will play. Under the rules, it will be Sam Long on the bench. MA has thanked Josef Bursik and Stoke City for what he has done. It was good for the club and for the player personally. Joe Walsh is fit and will be part of the squad. Adam Jackson is not available and probably wouldn’t be should the Imps make the final.
There are no fresh injuries and yesterday was a good recovery day.
Sunderland: The previous games at Sunderland do act as a bit of a benchmark, especially the Papa John’s Trophy game where there was a final at stake, without any league points on the line. It will be different with ten thousand home supporters in the ground who will be looking forward to the fixture having been away for a year. Naturally, MA will seek to influence the crowd, as there is a lot of frustration around the club due to the perception that Sunderland are not playing at the level they are expected to be. However, the overriding mentality is more around Lincoln themselves being positive.
“Ultimately we’re just going there to win the game”. MA pointed out that has been the approach for most games this season and it has served the team well.
MA drew attention to the importance of a fast start in what initially will be an intimidating atmosphere, against a side that are known for fast starts. He noted the Imps had started quickly in the first 15 minutes of the home leg, going on to have a good first half overall. “We need to match that, if not better that tomorrow”.
“Need to make sure we apply ourselves properly at the start of the game as quickly as we possibly can. We know Sunderland are fast starters…….We were aware of that in the first leg”.
On the prospect of reaching the final at Wembley, “We just want first and foremost to get the job done”. MA was only looking at how much work still has to be done against a Sunderland side that will be flying out of the blocks, full of determination.
Aiden McGeady Contract Situation: “There’s more chance of me playing for us tomorrow than Aiden McGeady not playing for them tomorrow”.
Writer: hulloutpost
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Sunderland Quiz below:
Michael Appleton: "Ultimately we're just going there to win the game."https://t.co/soCSYRQrpy#SAFC #HawayTheLads #ImpsAsOne
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) May 21, 2021
