Lincoln City look to rebound in their final game of 2023, as they welcome Northampton Town to the LNER Stadium in SkyBet League One.
The Imps are in a rough patch of form, failing to win any of their five games in December so far, including a loss to Bolton earlier this week. They’re looking to avoid a third straight defeat, something that they have suffered just once in 2023.
They welcome a Northampton Town side looking to rebound themselves, after a 3-0 drubbing at Stevenage on Boxing Day.
A City player hasn’t scored from open play since November 28, with their only two goals since then being an own goal by Reading’s Nelson Abbey and a Danny Mandroiu penalty against Derby County.
Opposition: Northampton Town
Jon Brady’s men could leapfrog Lincoln City with a win, sitting just two places and two points below their hosts ahead of kick-off.
The Cobblers recovered from a rough patch in October and November, losing just twice since their six game winless run.
Their loss at Stevenage brought a three game unbeaten streak to an end, but the visitors pose a threat to Lincoln. Having scored seven goals across those three unbeaten games, they will be looking to pierce the City defence.
Michael Skubala admitted the visit of Northampton will be a difficult test, speaking after the loss to Bolton: “It’s another tough game for us, but if we defend well like that and have a bit more going forward then we will win the game”
Team News:
It’s the same old story for Lincoln this season, as they remain without Ben House, Lewis Montsma and Tyler Walker.
Reeco Hackett is close to a return after his recent injury, as the Imps wait to see if Adam Jackson and Jack Burroughs will recover from the problems that saw them miss Boxing Day.
Danny Mandroiu will miss four games after he was shown a second straight red card of the season, lunging into a rash challenge against Bolton Wanderers. The suspension will see him sidelined until the end of January.
Defender Jordan Willis signed a new contract with Northampton during the week, keeping him at Sixfields until the end of the season.
Jon Brady has injury problems of his own, expecting to travel to Lincolnshire without Lee Burge, Max Dyche, Ben Fox and Tyler Magloire. However, top-scorer Sam Hoskins is expected to start.
Head-to-Head:
Northampton are searching for a first win over Lincoln since 2011. They have failed to beat the Imps on six occasions since then.
The two sides drew 2-2 earlier this season, as City threw away a two goal lead to leave Northamptonshire with just a point. Louis Appere scored in the 86th minute, before Sam Hoskins added an equaliser late in injury time.
In their history, Lincoln have beat their opponents 17 times, while Northampton have managed 15 wins. The pair have drew some 26 times over the years, including their first-ever meeting in 1961.
Played for Both:
Northampton Town left-back Patrick Brough spent time on loan in Lincoln during the 2015/16 season. The Englishmen played just four times for the Imps, but has been a constant feature for the Cobblers this season.
Blackburn Rovers defender Scott Wharton has spent time on loan at both clubs. Over the course of two loan spells in Lincolnshire, he played 31 times, but was cup-tied for their EFL Trophy final win in the 2017/18 season.
He spent a season at Northampton in 2019/20, appearing 43 times. That included a SkyBet League Two play-off final win over Exeter City.
Follow LincSport on Twitter/X for live updates, a post-match report and interviews of the game (KO: 19:45).