The Imps must “Step up the tempo.” and “Mix it up a bit.”

Ahead of tomorrow night’s match away at Rochdale in Sky Bet League One, we asked our members what three things they think The Imps need to do to pick up all three points.

Here’s what sedgleyimp said:

1. Step up the tempo. It has been noted that since the beginning of the season we have been playing quite a possession-based game building attacks from the back. That is all well and good when the results are working and such tactics surprising the opponents. What was clear in the last two games is that both Wycombe and Bristol Rovers were happy for us to do this as they knew that they could close the midfield down. Rochdale will be the same. On Saturday we made two very good chances and both were as a result of an increase in the tempo and direct running at the defenders. Payne in the first half then Anderson’s break down the right shortly before their goal which on another day would have been a tap in. This was the only time we really looked dangerous and coincided with a higher tempo.

2. Mix it up a bit. I fully understand why Jamie McCombe followed the Cowley’s blueprint on Saturday. It had got us to 5th in League One by kick-off. But has this made us a little predictable? The substitutions made were very much a like for like player. There seems to be a need to try something a bit different, be that from the kick-off or as the match progresses. Switching it around keeps the opposition on their toes and doesn’t allow them to settle into their own pattern of play.

3. Test the keeper. Rochdale shipped 6 on Saturday and by all accounts, their keeper had a shocker. If he is selected to play his confidence might be shaky. If his deputy is preferred he might not be match sharp. Either way, test them early on with shots and crosses.

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

The Imps must "Step up the tempo." and "Mix it up a bit.":https://t.co/858qhJJ7kN #RAFC #ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 16, 2019