In saying that “we believe,” Michael Skubala has given Lincoln City fans the permission to dream that for the first time in 60 years, this season may be the one.
Tuesday night’s 3-0 victory over then third placed Bradford City may not have increased the gap from the chasing pack, but it did eliminate that all important game in hand that the Bantams held.
But with Graham Alexander’s side now nine points behind and the Imps having not lost a league game since November 22, it now seems full steam ahead to the end of the season.
However, we all know that this sport and especially the Football League is never that easy and standing in the way of Michael Skubala’s side next, is relegation threatened Wigan Athletic.
Opponents: Wigan Athletic
The Latics come into the game sat just a point above the dropzone and are without a league win in their last five attempts.
Despite that, Michael Skubala wasn’t underestimating the challenge when he said: “It’s a tough game, a really tough game.
“We’ve been there a couple of times over the last few years, and probably not played as well as we could have because it’s a big stadium and a huge pitch which is a little bit different to our environment.
“They’re in a tough spot but when you look at their results, they’re always in games and there’s no easy games against Wigan.”
Their last victory came in a 2-0 away win against fellow relegation scrappers Burton Albion, although they have failed to score in four out of their last five league games since.
And with the Imps having seemingly ditched the woes of their away form prior to the turn of the year; this seems like a real opportunity for the side to increase the gap even further.
Team news:
Skubala will be delighted by the return of Ben House, who was subbed on in Tuesday night’s victory to top off a perfect performance as he scored the third of the night.
On top of that, Tom Bayliss also took to the field for the final few minutes of the game and they both remain available for selection.
However, Michael Skubala also added that there was no change in terms of any other players who can be selected in this one.
“Ben and Tom are going to be managed back, Jacko isn’t available for selection, Oscar Thorn is back on the grass but isn’t available for selection.
“Overall, we’re in a really good place and it feels like there’s some really good depth to the squad again.”
Head-to-head:
However, the history books go against what the table and recent form suggests in this one, with the hosts having the upper hand as they’ve won the clash on 16 occasions.
City have also failed to add to their 12 victories over Wigan in their last six attempts with the last win coming in October 2021.
Since then, the Latics have claimed victory on two occasions with the sides sharing the points four times.
And that was the case earlier in the season, as Lincoln City overturned a one goal deficit in the first half before being pegged back themselves after the break in a game that saw a red card for both sides.
Played for both:
A pair of current Lincoln City players have previously worn the blue and white stripes of Wigan Athletic in Bayliss and captain Tendayi Darikwa.
They will have also spent time at the Latics together as the midfielder spent the 2021/22 season on loan there, making 16 appearances along the way.
While Darikwa on the other hand was with the the Greater Manchester side from 2020 through to 2023, making 116 appearances as they remained in League One for three years.