Lincoln City Predicted XI vs Carlisle United – Opinion

Lincoln City climbed into the top six for the first time since September on Good Friday as they scored a last-gasp winner against Leyton Orient

The ‘dream of the play-offs’ has now become a real possibility as the Imps look to extend their unbeaten run to 15 matches on Monday as they travel to Brunton Park to face Carlisle United. A game that at one point looked destined to be two sides with little to fight for, is now arguably a must-win encounter for the away side. Their opposition are not relegated yet, but this fixture could see that happen.

Lincoln have been hit with midfield injuries in the second half of the season, so certain positions in the squad have been picked due to a lack of competition, however, with the form the side are in, not many changes would likely be made even if a full compliment of players were available.

Here is a predicted starting lineup that Michael Skubala could go with in the North-West…

GK – Lukas Jensen

Talking of positions that pick themselves, Lukas Jensen has been nothing short of sensational this season. Now sitting level with Will Norris for clean sheets, there is a strong chance that the Dane could add to his tally in this game, especially with Carlisle’s issues in front of goal.

RCB – Alex Mitchell

As is clear by the vast number of clean sheets Jensen has accumulated this year, Lincoln’s defence has been exceptional. On-loan no-nonsense centre-half Mitchell has been a key component in that ever since his debut against Sheffield United in the League Cup at the end of August. Still, at such a young age, this season could end up being the last of those that see the defender on a development loan.

CB – Paudie O’Connor

Whether it’s near the top of the table, or the bottom, if a side is in a battle with a handful of games to go, they need their captain. A leader. That is what O’Connor has proved himself to be. Although he lost his place in the side more than once earlier in the season with a brace of red cards, they were quickly forgotten by the fans when he came back into the team and looked as though he never left. A consistent performer, he is sure to be an integral part of the Imps’ final six matches and one of the most likely to feature on Monday.

LCB – Sean Roughan

Roughan has cemented his place in Lincoln’s side over the past few years, and even at such a young age, has become one of the best left-footed defenders in the division. His name is one of the first on the team sheet week in and week out at the moment, having amassed over 2,500 minutes all year, whilst the last time the Irishman was not in a starting line-up was New Year’s Day, coincidentally the last time Lincoln lost a game.

RWB – Lasse Sorensen

Lasse Sorensen’s shift from a squad player for his first 18 months at Sincil Bank to one of the key components of the current team is down to a range of factors, but none more so than his move to right-wing-back. The energetic Dane has only missed two games all season, and has been in both the goals and assists, something he will hope he can do against Carlisle.

LWB – Reeco Hackett

Ever since Hackett came back from his time out due to injury in January, he has excelled going forward. Having set up a goal in this reverse fixture back in September, he’ll be hoping to replicate or even better that. With 11 goal contributions in only 23 starts, this Bank Holiday fixture could be the perfect opportunity for him to add to his tally, and potentially overtake Sorensen for the leading goal contributor in Skubala’s squad.

DM – Ethan Erhahon

Lincoln’s leading outfield player this season for minutes played, Erhahon has been a stalwart in a side that has been through it all this season. The way he is able to break down opposition attacks and quickly create opportunities for his side is second to none, and his absence was felt against Leyton Orient when he suffered a match ban thus it is heavily expected that the Scot will make an immediate return to the starting line-up.

CM – Danny Mandroiu

Mandroiu’s season has been one of the most tumultuous in the Imps squad. From showing immense promise and potential back in August to getting two red cards and being called out by his former head coach in a post-match press conference. However, since his move into a central midfield role in recent weeks, he’s started showing the promise that he began the season with, and is now a strong attacking outlet for the Imps.

CM – Jack Moylan

With Lincoln’s midfield injury concerns, attacking prospect Moylan was thrown into the deep end when tasked with playing a midfield role against Stevenage at the start of the month. Having impressed in that game, the Irishman then stepped that up with a brace after coming on as a half-time substitute against Barnsley the weekend after. Therefore, he has seemingly become a guaranteed starter at the moment and it is therefore predicted that will happen again on Monday.

ST – Ben House

House has been at Sincil Bank for over two full seasons now, and since then has proved himself as one of the best-pressing forwards the club have had. A long-term injury suffered at the end of August had seen him miss a large handful of matches, however, the former Eastleigh man has come back and picked up exactly where he left off, and even with fierce competition in the striker position, it would be likely to see him feature against the Cumbrians.

ST – Joe Taylor

When forward Joe Taylor first joined the Imps in the January window, he immediately showed promise. Making runs in behind and creating chances for himself was a common occurrence. Yet, he struggled to get that illustrious first goal. Since he netted against Exeter City however, the Luton Town loanee has accumulated eight goals in eight matches, including a hat-trick. Therefore, it seems inconceivable that he would be dropped.

RELATED ARTICLES

BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT

Leave a Reply