This weekend sees Stevenage travel to Sincil Bank to face a Lincoln City side rejuvenated since January, with their recent form meaning the side are nine unbeaten in League One.
The Imps have had a rollercoaster of a season so far. The first month was strong, with back-to-back home 3-0 victories, and at one point during their game away at Bristol Rovers at the start of September, they were top of the live league standings. That run fizzled out, and with mass injuries, a managerial sacking and a month with an interim head coach, there was a threat that the season was going to end early with nothing major to play for.
However, their recent run has got some Lincoln fans dreaming of a late push into the playoffs. There are theories as to what has improved Lincoln’s fortunes recently, however, the why is not something fans will be too worried about, but simply hope it can continue.
Stevenage on the other hand have shocked many with their impressive run throughout the whole of the season. Their recent run of form has not matched their overall performances however, although with two wins in their last two, they will hope their fortunes have turned back around.
Both sides have well and truly got playoffs on their mind now, but Stevenage are the ones in a much better league position, sitting eight points above their opposition, and inside the top six.
Here’s how two of The Real EFL’s writing team see this match going…
Charlie Beeston
“Lincoln’s great run at this point of the season is no coincidence. On New Year’s Day, they had eleven players out injured. Since then, after getting a lot of their players back and making moves in the transfer window, they’ve gone unbeaten. The more optimistic Imps fans saw this coming, or at least hoped it was coming. They may now be feeling smug.
This game is not going to be easy, however. Stevenage are a tough side to face, and Lincoln may play into their hands. Recently, they’ve utilised their players in central areas well, with the likes of Ted Bishop linking up Ethan Erhahon to create fast-paced moves through the middle of the pitch. Stevenage’s diamond midfield could be set up well to defend that. Furthermore, their reluctance to play out from the back could render the Imps’ high press less useful.
However, the home side’s strong ability in defence, especially in recent weeks, which has only seen them concede three in that nine-game run, could hinder any forward movement by Stevenage, especially with how strong the defenders have been in both ariel and ground duels. Therefore, I’m going for a narrow home victory here.”
Lincoln City 1-0 Stevenage
Ivan Newsome
“Now unbeaten in their last nine, which has also brought five wins, Lincoln seems to be putting a very strong late play-off bid together, and the teams above them should be taking note.
With the second-best defence in the league, you’d perhaps expect Skubala’s side to be higher up the table, but a struggling attack in the first half of the season did somewhat hold them back. The attack now looks stronger than ever, which has coincided with their recent good spell of form.
Stevenage will be wanting to hold their play-off place down after moving into sixth in midweek. They are also built on a strong defence, and it can be said that they do employ some fairly negative tactics.
Nothing can be taken away from them though, and they’d probably be happy leaving Sincil Bank with a point based on their opponent’s recent form. As a result, I see this being a draw, and potentially even goalless.”
Lincoln City 0-0 Stevenage
