Portsmouth (a): 3 Things The Imps Need To Do To Win On Saturday

Ahead of Saturday’s match away at Portsmouth in League One, I asked the Vital Lincoln City members what three things they think The Imps need to do to pick up all three points.

You can discuss what has been said in this article HERE, as well as get involved with our pre-match threads: You can post your score predictions, discuss the starting XI and post your attendance predictions!

Here’s what sedgleyimp said:

1. Don’t overcomplicate it. Saturday we were guilty of trying to make an extra pass when a cross or shot was on. Mark Kennedy alluded to as much in his post-match interview. Through balls were attempted which when you don’t have those players with exceptional pace (and we don’t) just won’t work. The benefits of an early cross were evident with our equaliser last Saturday and if we continue that on Saturday we have a good chance of getting a good result.

2. Stop the service from the flanks. Portsmouth seemed to play with 2 up front at Wednesday with new signings Piggott and Bishop leading the line. They scored three headed goals in the second half. Each was from a cross from their right-hand side with the attackers easily beating the defenders. Our defence will need to be on their game to combat this. We are not the tallest team so the secret to stopping that threat in the middle will be to stop the supply. It will be a big game for our probable wide defenders, Eyoma and Robson. It will be important that they don’t get caught out up-field on a quick breakaway for them. Both might need to be more restrained in their attacking intent.

3. Use the squad properly. If Lincoln can learn only one thing from the exceptional coaching skills of Sarina Wiegman demonstrated over the last month that should be how to use your squad and plan substitutions. England had match winners who didn’t start a single game, yet their contribution to that magnificent tournament win was because they knew their value as impact substitutes and Wiegman knew when to unleash them. So we can say to Tom Hopper to run yourself into the ground for sixty minutes knowing in advance that you’ll be coming off then so that Ben House or Charlie Kendall can come on against tiring defenders. All managers/head coaches need to think about how to use those five permitted substitutes as it will make or break any club’s season. Plan ahead and the benefits will be reaped.

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

Portsmouth (a): 3 Things The Imps Need To Do To Win On Saturday:https://t.co/fjKaORdK2v#Pompey #ImpsAsOne #WeAreImps

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) August 3, 2022