“We’re seeing positive signs in the first two games this time out in terms of second-half goals.”

Ahead of Saturday’s match at home against Oxford United (managed by Karl Robinson) 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.

Here’s what Impala said:

1. Stop a free-scoring Oxford side. While it’s unlikely we’ll see a repeat of last season’s 6-0 demolition, Oxford were second in the League One goalscoring charts last season, and are likely to be right up there again this time out. The permanent signing of Matty Taylor (13 league goals in 26 appearances last season) is a massive boost for the U’s.

2. Create more chances. Last year largely thanks to Tyler Walker our stats were good in terms of converting chances into goals, but we need more creativity from Midfield and clinical finishing from our strikers. Our expected goals data last year accurately placed us 15th in the league. Creating more and nicking the odd extra point will be vital in getting a higher league placing this time out. We’re already seeing a possible new role for Jorge Grant playing a greater part in attacking play which will help. Oxford have so far not replaced the influential defender and former Imp Rob Dickie (moved to QPR for £1m) so it may turn out to be a good time to play a highly rated side.

3. Keep the pressure on for the full 90 minutes. Last season lots of games petered out to draws or to defeats by the odd goal, with the Imps struggling to capitalise late on in games. We’re seeing positive signs in the first two games this time out in terms of second-half goals and possibly a Lincoln side looking very fit compared to their opponents – against both Crewe and Scunthorpe, we have improved as our opponents have noticeably faded as the game has gone on.

Who Are The League One Managers? No.15: Karl Robinson (Oxford United)

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

If you haven’t already had a go at our quizzes, this is a great way to learn some random information about the Football Club, as well as helping us generate much-needed page views: Quiz No.1, Quiz No.2, Quiz No.3, Quiz No.4, Quiz No.5, Quiz No.6, Quiz No.7, Quiz No.8, Quiz No.9, Quiz No.10, Quiz No.11, Quiz No.12, Quiz No.13, Quiz No.14, Quiz No.15, Quiz No.16, Quiz No.17, Quiz No.18, Quiz No.19, Quiz No.20, Quiz No.21, Quiz No.22, Quiz No.23, Quiz No.24, Quiz No.25, Quiz No.26, Quiz No.27, Quiz No.28, Quiz No.29 and Quiz No.30.

"We're seeing positive signs in the first two games this time out in terms of second-half goals."https://t.co/yfEzp4QWLA#ImpsAsOne #ProudToBeImps #OUFC pic.twitter.com/YvhECaSFaj

— Vital Lincoln City (@VitalLincoln) September 9, 2020

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