This weekend’s League One action sees six-pointers up and down the table, including one right in the middle as Lincoln City host an Exeter City side looking to make it five wins in their last seven outings.
Both of these sides have had a significant upturn in form after what had been a rather disappointing end to 2023. The visiting side had gone on a 13-match winless run, however, after keeping faith in manager Gary Caldwell, they are beginning to reap those rewards, as their fortunes have rapidly changed.
The Imps’ season has not quite been as dramatic as the Grecians, however, it has been in no way plain sailing. Winless in December and January. Only three home wins since August. Only eight goals scored in their last 12 matches. It all sounds bleak. But that does not tell the full story. An injury-ravaged squad finished 2023 at Sincil Bank, and since some of those players began to return at the start of January, and they brought in extra depth to the squad, they have been unbeaten.
This week, Michael Skubala even refused to rule out a late push for the playoffs following his side’s upturn in not just results but performances. However, with a couple of injury doubts coming into this weekend, the head coach will need to ensure he is adaptable if he does wish to push for that position.
A win for either side would only take them a maximum of one place higher in the league.
Here is how two of The Real EFL writing team see this one going…
Charlie Beeston
“With Lincoln being the home side, and the form they’re in, it may be easy to predict them to win, although, this is not going to be an easy fixture in any sense. Now that their squad is more suitable for a full League One season with returning injuries and transfer window activity, they are better placed to be winning games than they have been since August. The month of February was picked out as a potential unbeaten month if things were to go Lincoln’s way. That’s gone as planned so far, but not without hiccups. A red card in the fixture against Burton Albion, going 1-0 down at home to Fleetwood, and weathering a late storm to grab a draw against Charlton Athletic. The ability to remain unbeaten in all these instances is commendable, however.
Exeter on the other hand have also seen their form take a massive shift recently. The biggest change made there? Not making a change. Too often in modern football, you’ll see managers given the sack when a run of form is not favourable. Exeter’s hierarchy did not do that, and they should be given huge respect for that. They clearly looked at the underlying numbers, realised that they were underperforming based on that, and decided to give Caldwell time to turn things around. Which is exactly what he has done.
This should be a good game, two sides high in the form table, one trying to keep an unbeaten streak going, the other going for their fifth win in seven. It is the former I am backing here, however.”
Lincoln City 2–1 Exeter City
Ivan Newsome
“It looks to be a very intriguing game at Sincil Bank on Saturday, with both sides in relatively decent form. Lincoln are unbeaten in their last six, and although only two of those games have brought wins, look a rather stable side at the minute. It’s hard to describe their season as exciting, nor would it be right to call it a disappointing one, which makes sense given they sit almost bang in the middle of the table in 11th. The play-offs do seem a step too far but they’re not out of the fight just yet but would need plenty of teams above them to falter.
As for Exeter, their season has perhaps been the most interesting of the lot. An incredible start to the season would be followed by a 13-match winless run which would put the club right in the middle of the relegation battle. Many believed that Gary Caldwell should have been removed from his post as manager, yet the club stuck with him and are now reaping the rewards of their faith. The Grecians have won five of their last nine and are in touching distance of safety, something few would’ve believed at the turn of the year.
This game does however look destined to be a draw in my eyes, not just due to Lincoln being the draw ‘kings’ of the division with 12 to their name this season but Exeter may also be more reserved in the attacking areas due to playing away from home.”
Lincoln City 1-1 Exeter City
