Ahead of tonight’s match at home against Manchester United U21s in the EFL Trophy, we asked our members what three things The Imps need to do to win.
Not going to the match tonight? Join our Match Thread on 100% Imps!
Here’s what sedgleyimp said:
1. Play the players, not the shirt. I can’t recall any Lincoln side playing any Manchester United side during my lifetime. Whatever you think about that club who are certainly a marmite one, you cannot dismiss the legacy of the name of the club. Tonight we are playing against a team of professionals engaged by them and there could be a tendency for our players to consider that name rather than the actual players playing in those shirts. Remember it’s their under 21 team and not even their best Under 21 players who would have been engaged in first-team duties either last night or will be on Thursday.
2. Defend from the front. Blackpool’s first goal on Friday came as a result of losing possession well up the field which meant players were out of position when trying to deal with the counter-attack. I honestly have no real clue as to the attributes of the Under 21 players at Man Utd but all Premier League Clubs put emphasis on quickness of breaks so the assumption will be that they will have some rapid players in their team who will look to get at our defenders and turn them so the need will be to ensure the midfield and attack don’t put the defenders in that position.
3. This is a chance for players to cement their places in the team under the new management team. I expect a handful of changes and I do feel that a few positions are up for grabs. There’s an opportunity for some players to make a real impression on the new boss to make it so that they become his preferred players. The likes of Smith, Grant, Lewis, O’Connor, Akinde even Chapman if they are selected to start need to treat the game as their audition to start the League games as well. Make it so the manager can’t drop you before he’s completely settled on his first-choice XI.
"This is a chance for players to cement their places in the team under the new management team."https://t.co/ewFRjUn189#ImpsAsOne #MUFC #MUAcademy
— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) October 1, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/VitalLincolnCity/posts/2435679273134970
