Michael Appleton spoke to the press yesterday ahead of tonight’s EFL Trophy Semi-Final away at Sunderland.
If you would like to get involved with the conversation on 100% Imps, you can join our Sunderland v Lincoln City Match Thread! 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!
Michael Appleton confirmed Regan Poole is cup-tied.
Appleton believes that both he and Lee Johnson have had some success in the EFL Trophy by taking the competition seriously (while trying to balance focus with League games).
Sunderland game will hopefully be an exciting one. Michael Appleton doesn’t think he’s cagey, and that Sunderland are similar. Both teams like to score goals.
Despite not having had a great experience as a manager in the final of the EFL Trophy, Michael Appleton encourages the players to be excited by the thought of playing at Wembley. Better to have the experience at the national stadium rather than lose at the semi-final stage.
SAFC’s Wyke is a difficult player to be up against. His goals tend to come from crosses and wide areas. Imps need to try and limit that supply, mark Wyke tightly, and try and reduce his most dangerous headers.
Tom Hopper has worked hard for the team all season but he (Michael Appleton) thinks he’s becoming a bit more selfish and wanting to get on the end of the high number of balls that we see going right across the 6-yard area.
Can potentially use Harry Anderson’s experience of playing in a final, but Harry always had a good attitude and vocal for his team-mates whatever he’s asked to do.
Imps won’t practice penalties anymore than they already do (which appears to be an ad hoc thing among players at end of training). Michael Appleton does decide on the 5 penalty takers and the order they take them in though, in event of a shootout.
Michael Appleton would love another chance to win this competition after previous disappointments.
Writer: GoBC
Have a go at our Lincoln City v Sunderland Quiz below:
Sunderland (a):
Michael Appleton Press Conference Summary:https://t.co/qKNJ5xeRxZ#SAFC #HawayTheLads #ImpsAsOne pic.twitter.com/jBIbwUYsJz
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) February 17, 2021
