The FA Cup brings a different kind of opportunity for clubs and players — one that can change seasons and even careers.
We know that, because 2016/17 changed our club history. Over the last couple of seasons, we’ve been a little quieter in the competition, but still no strangers to Third Round action.
As the Imps prepare to face Salford City this weekend, the challenge is balancing squad rotation with maintaining momentum. It isn’t the EFL Trophy, where wholesale changes make sense, and it isn’t the League Cup, where Premier League reserve sides beckon.
This is the FA Cup — and for Lincoln City, that still means something.
Balancing Rotation and Respect
Michael Skubala faces a familiar managerial puzzle: how to rest key players without losing rhythm. Salford, led by Karl Robinson, are no mugs. They sit comfortably in third in League Two, boasting recognisable names such as Jorge Grant and Cole Stockton, and they’ll see this as a free hit.
For us, this is no throwaway tie — it’s a test of depth, cohesion, and attitude. The message is clear: this isn’t an EFL Trophy game. There shouldn’t be eleven changes.
Expect a measured blend of fringe players and trusted starters, with the aim of advancing while topping up minutes for those on the periphery.
Predicted Starting XI
Goalkeeper – George Wickens
No surprises here. Wickens remains the safest pair of hands available and has earned the right to start in a competition of this stature. With Jamie Pardington gaining minutes elsewhere and Zach Jeacock recovering, the Brentford loanee should continue between the sticks.
Right-Back – Dexter Lembikisa
The Jamaican international has featured sparingly so far but deserves a start. Tendayi Darikwa has been a constant, and this tie feels like the perfect opportunity to rest him. Lembikisa’s physicality and pace can offer real balance on the right.
Centre-Backs – Lewis Montsma & Ryley Towler
Montsma looked assured against Chelsea, and this is a logical chance to build his sharpness. Alongside him, Towler should get a start in his natural left-centre-back role. Sonny Bradley could be rested, though he’d be a ready-made captain if selected.
Left-Back – Adam Reach
Reach impressed against Bradford and provides both quality on the ball and experience. He didn’t feature across both league games last week, so he should have the legs for another start here.
Midfield Two – Conor McGrandles (C) & Ivan Varfolomeev
McGrandles has quietly been one of Lincoln’s most consistent performers, anchoring the midfield with intelligence and work rate. He wears the armband here, while Ivan Varfolomeev gets the nod to partner him. The Ukrainian needs minutes, and this is the ideal setting to showcase his range and control.
Ten Role – Freddie Draper
Positioned just behind the striker, Draper will look to rediscover the spark that saw him score freely in League Two. He’s a confidence player, and a strong performance here could propel him back into the league reckoning.
Right Side Attack – Ben House
House’s energy is relentless, and resting him rarely makes sense. His pressing and movement are vital in setting the tone — especially against a Salford side that will try to play out.
Left Side Attack – Erik Ring
Ring has impressed in flashes but needs a full ninety to build rhythm. His directness and versatility offer a new dimension, particularly against lower-league opposition likely to sit deep.
Striker – Rob Street
Street needs a goal to reignite his confidence, and this could be the game to deliver it. With thirteen goals at League Two level last season, he knows how to punish teams like Salford. Expect him to lead the line with intent.
The Shape and the Stakes
On paper, this looks like a 4-2-3-1, but it can easily morph into a 4-4-2 with Draper pushing forward. Lincoln will aim to dominate possession and territory, with Reach and Lembikisa offering width and the two central midfielders screening transitions.
This tie is about rhythm, confidence, and maintaining standards. Players such as Ryley Towler, Erik Ring, and Ivan Varfolomeev need to treat it like an audition for league minutes, while others — Ben House, Freddie Draper, Rob Street — must seize the chance to find form in front of goal.
For Lincoln, the FA Cup isn’t just nostalgia. It’s an opportunity to build belief. Win here, and a home draw in the second round could set the stage for another memorable run.
That’s a good shout out and would have been my choice too. We’ve got a good enough bench to give some players a rest, and if all goes well we shouldn’t have to rely too much on needing them.