Critical Late-January Run That Could Define The Imps’ Season

Late January is a particularly intense period for Lincoln City supporters as there are three unmissable games in the schedule. By the end of the month, the Imps face a series of fixtures that may largely determine what kind of season lies ahead for the club. Thick period, so fans will be looking for the best free spins bonuses for UK players to take a break from match analysis, while paying close attention to results across League One.

Read on as we preview January’s last three fixtures for the Imps.

The Imps Current Dynamics in the Table

Michael Skubala’s side currently sits second: six points after Cardiff City, three points ahead of Bradford City. This is an even more thrilling achievement given that the Imps only have the 18th-largest wage budget in the division. A club insider has described their financial landscape as a “canoes versus submarines” battle.

Despite the noticeable budget gap, bright recruitment, well-drilled tactics, and a consistently solid defensive structure are working in the Imps’ favour. In certain aspects, we are even able to dictate the terms to these so-called “submarines.” All that remains is to navigate January’s decisive final push successfully.

Meanwhile, fans can manage their budgets efficiently. This month, there is not only a run of key matches but also promos from numerous brands. It’s the ideal time to look out for free spins on registration with no deposit and other bonuses designed to entertain fans between games.

Home Match 1 – Lincoln City vs Burton Albion 

• When: Thursday, January 22
• Kick-off: 20:00
• Where: LNER Stadium (Sincil Bank)

The Imps will face their first of two home clashes already next Thursday. Playing at the Bank is always an ideal chance to draw strength from the most avid fans and score as many points as possible to climb the table. The task is far more challenging for Burton Albion – they’re currently 19th, recovering after three defeats in four.

Analytics indicate that the Brewers worked on their overall intensity. Not to mention other weak spots, though, poor attack is still their Achilles’ heel. This means the Imps have a fantastic chance to secure more points on January 22.

Home Match 2 – Lincoln City vs Bradford City

• When: Tuesday, January 27
• Kick-off: 19:45
• Where: LNER Stadium

The second home match against Bradford City will be critical. The challenging factor? Obvious as. The Bantams are currently right behind the Imps in third place. So, the game’s outcome might shake things up in the League One standings.

Only three points currently separate the clubs, and Bradford isn’t just participating. They have lost five games – the same as City and Cardiff. It will likely feel like a heavyweight title fight. Bradford’s defence is as strong as ever, a tough nut to crack.

What could mellow the fighting at the very top of the table for the Imps is the home advantage. 

Whatever happens on January 27 at Sincil Bank, the game is well worth watching for several reasons:

• It will clearly show what to expect from Lincoln City this season.
• It offers a chance to assess the true form and consistency of Bradford City’s squad. 

Away Match – Wigan Athletic vs Lincoln City

• When: Saturday, January 31
• Kick-off: 15:00
• Where: The Brick Community Stadium

The last fixture this month is an away match at Wigan, which is a tough challenge again. Ryan Lowe’s side are struggling compared to expectations, but with Joe Taylor likely to make an appearance, there will be added spice.

For now, the upcoming game feels like the “leader vs solid mid-table club.” While Latics are stable, they lack the power to cling to the playoff spot.

Chances are, Wigan will try to turn the clash into a boring 0:0, as we’ve seen often with them. That will be hard to achieve, though. Our high goal scoring, the division’s third highest, may quickly block any attempts for a draw. 

Will We See the Imps in the Play-offs?

Hopefully not, but there are three critical and unpredictable matches ahead:

• January 27. Lincoln vs. Bradford City – a clash for second place in the table.
• March 7. Lincoln vs. Cardiff City (current table leader) – potential title decider.
• May 3. Final day of the League One regular season.

The Imps must survive all these matches to stay in the top 2 and avoid the play-off lottery. Fans are waiting for Lincoln City to deliver a serious attacking threat. Eyes will be on Freddie Draper and Rob Street and their finishing ability and composure in front of the goal. More scores could prove decisive.