Three Things The Imps Need To Do To Beat Derby County

Ahead of tonight’s match at home against Derby County 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 and get involved with our Lincoln City v Derby County Match Thread, as well as our pre-match threads: You can post your score predictions, discuss the starting XI, and predict the attendance!

Here’s what sedgleyimp said:

1. Stretch the game. Derby have made a lot of signings. Many are players that even the casual football follower has heard of. James Chester, Conor Hourihane, David McGoldrick, Richard Stearman to name just a few. What is noticeable from those names is that all are very much in the last hurrahs of their football careers. Experienced yes, but aging. Whilst their footballing brains may still be very active and players of that quality will use that ability. However, time catches up with players physically and this is something which we can use to our benefit. What our squad lacks in experience could be compensated by our players having the physical strength to outplay them as the game gets towards the later part of the second half. To do this we need to use the whole pitch thereby making their older players run more than they perhaps want to.

2. Don’t overcomplicate it. If an opportunity arises have a go. There was a thread recently suggesting we are somewhat reticent in having shots. The reality in football is that if you don’t shoot, you don’t win. I’m not advocating having a stupid hoof from forty metres when others are in a better position, but we do so very often try that extra pass which is unnecessary resulting in a good opportunity drifting away. So players need to take responsibility and have a go if that opportunity arises. Nothing gets a crowd going than a shot from mid-distance threatening the opposition goal.

3. Defend higher. We can’t afford to drop as deep as we have a tendency to do as it so very often leads to us conceding a soft goal. Opposing forwards need to work hard for their chances and they don’t have to if the ball drops to them on the penalty spot. Defend higher and that chance falls 30 metres out and is much more difficult to convert.

Three Things The Imps Need To Do To Beat Derby County:https://t.co/sXTCJaC8lY#ImpsAsOne #WeAreImps #DCFC

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 13, 2022