Lincoln City host bottom side Cambridge United as the Imps look to kickstart February with a return to winning ways.
Michael Skubala’s side will be looking to avoid three games without a win after losing to Blackpool and drawing against Wigan Athletic, while they hope to resume their ambitious push towards the play-off places.
Opposition: Cambridge United
After surviving relegation last season by six points, Gary Monk’s Cambridge are struggling this term, currently sitting rock bottom of League One, although just three points off Burton Albion in 21st position.
Their recent form has seen them gain five points from a possible 15 in their last five games, most recently drawing 1-1 at home against high-flying Wycombe Wanderers.
Team News:
January signing Sam Clucas has been in training and remains in contention to start the match despite fitness concerns over recent weeks.
Jack Moylan is still out after receiving surgery for his ankle injury, while Ethan Erhahon, who was subbed off at halft-time against Wigan Athletic, will be out for a couple of weeks.
Tom Hamer returned to training recently but not fully match fit yet.
The injury news came as it was confirmed young striker Freddie Draper had signed a contract extention with the Imps until the summer of 2028.
Head-to-Head:
The meeting between the sides earlier in the season was a favourable one for Michael Skubala’s men as they came out 2-0 victors at the Abbey Stadium, with Draper and Bailey Cadamarteri scoring the goals.
Lincoln City have won all of the previous three meetings against Cambridge, beating them both home and away last season, notably thrashing the visitors 6-0 the last time the two faced each other at the LNER Stadium.
Cambridge United last defeated Lincoln on September 3, 2022, when current Doncaster Rovers front-man Joe Ironside scored both goals in a 2-0 win.
Overall, the two teams have met 43 times in their history, with City winning on 17 occasions and United taking victory just 10 times.
Played for Both:
There are a handful of players who have featured for both Lincoln and Cambridge, among them Stuart Bimson, Tom Champion and Dean Walling.
Another name with connection to both clubs is former Lincoln City centre back Steve Thompson who played 181 times for the Imps. After his retirement he managed the club for three years between 1990-1993 and would also manage Cambridge United from 2004-2005.