Lincoln City welcome Luton Town this weekend for the first time in eight years, with one of the strongest squads Michael Skubala has had at his disposal.
Two suspensions are over, the treatment room has cleared, and suddenly, the manager has real depth to choose from.
Who do I think will be chosen this weekend? I’ve gone over those available and come up with my starting XI.
There’s no debate over the man between the sticks. George Wickens has been a constant presence and remains one of the first names on the teamsheet. After that? Phew, it’s a tough one.
Tendayi Darikwa is an automatic choice at right-back. The skipper has been one of City’s most consistent performers since arriving, and his stats back up just how reliable he has been. On the left, the real question arises. Ryley Towler is back from suspension, while Adam Reach offers a more attacking option. Although Towler has settled quickly and was brought here for first-team football, Reach gets the nod for this one from me.
In the centre, Sonny Bradley is nailed on. His leadership qualities and defensive presence have already made him integral, and alongside him Adam Jackson provides that no-nonsense reliability. Jackson has been through transfer speculation and family moves but remains central to Lincoln’s defensive structure. Tom Hamer is another option, and could be used later in the game if Skubala shifts to three at the back.
In the holding roles, Conor McGrandles and Tom Bayliss pick themselves. McGrandles may go unnoticed at times, but his ability to keep things ticking over is invaluable. Bayliss, meanwhile, has established himself as the best dead-ball specialist the club has had in years, with a delivery reminiscent of Dean Keates at his peak. With those two in place, it is hard for others to break through, no matter the price tag or reputation.
The number ten role goes to Ben House. He may not be a natural striker, but his pressing and ability to win turnovers high up the pitch suit the task perfectly. Against a side like Luton, expected to dominate possession, House can disrupt their rhythm and help create chances.
Out wide, Reeco Hackett surely returns to his more natural left-sided role. Often underrated, he provides balance and a genuine threat cutting in from the flank. On the opposite side, I back Rob Street to start. His long-term contract and the faith shown in him by turning down late-window bids suggest he is seen as a cornerstone of the future.
Leading the line, James Collins is the obvious choice. The striker faces his former club, and such occasions often bring extra motivation. Collins has settled quickly and his experience could be vital in what promises to be a physical contest.
That leaves strong competition for places on the bench. Erik Ring, Frankie Okoronkwo, Tom Hamer, Ivan Varfolomeev, and Dexter Lembikisa are all pushing for involvement. Towler may well feature as a defensive option if Reach gets the nod, while youngsters Justin Obikwu or Gbolahan Okewoye could also come into consideration. The fact that Skubala has such dilemmas underlines just how much stronger the squad is looking compared with previous months.
Predicted XI: Wickens; Darikwa, Jackson, Bradley, Reach; McGrandles, Bayliss; Street, House, Hackett; Collins.