Last season, Lincoln City missed out on the League One play-offs in heartbreaking fashion following a 2-0 defeat against champions Portsmouth on the final day.
After a mediocre first half of the campaign, the Imps came to life at the turn of the year under the stewardship of Michael Skubala. They became the most in-form team in the country after embarking on a 16-game unbeaten run but also caught the eye with some stunning performances.
March proved to be fruitful for the East Midlands outfit. They bagged an incredible 16 goals in just three games with hammerings of Barnsley, Cambridge United and Bristol Rovers. By the end of the month, they were in the top six.
A home defeat against Wigan Athletic in April saw them drop out of the play-off places, but they recovered with wins over Oxford United and Cheltenham Town to put their fate in their own hands. This saw Pompey visit the LNER Stadium, but the game proved to be just one step too far as the champions emerged with a 2-0 victory, which Oxford capitalised on.
Lincoln had captured the hearts of many though and were widely praised for their phenomenal form. As a result, it’s perhaps no surprise to see them tipped for success next season.
That is according to the Supercomputer, who has predicted the final 2024/25 League One table by simulating each fixture 1,000 times. After capturing the results, it is predicted that Michael Skubala’s team will finish in third, missing out on automatic promotion by six points.
Blackpool, who also missed out on the play-offs on the final day last season, are tipped to finish runners-up. Birmingham City, armed with a reported £20 million budget, finish out on top, securing an immediate return to the Championship.
Should the Supercomputer’s predictions come to fruition, Lincoln would set up a mouthwatering play-off semi-final with Peterborough United. Darren Ferguson’s team will be hoping this isn’t the case, having crashed out at the same stage in the previous two campaigns.
Writer’s View
Lincoln were so impressive to watch at stages last season, although a third-placed finish will be so difficult to achieve. Supercomputers have to be taken with a pinch of salt. They are rarely correct, and Rotherham United (10th) and Wrexham (19th) fans will be quick to argue that point.
Back to the Imps, competing with the likes of Birmingham, Bolton, Huddersfield, Peterborough and Rotherham will be a tough ask. They have already lost Lasse Sorensen to the Terriers whilst key man Ethan Erhahon is likely to be the subject of interest from the Championship and beyond. Joe Taylor’s goals will be difficult to replace following the culmination of his loan spell.
However, Lincoln are renowned for smart business and will recruit wisely. It wouldn’t be a major shock to see them challenge for the play-off places again, but it perhaps would be to see them fighting for automatic promotion.
Head of Writing
