The Imps make the gruelling journey to the south-west coast this Saturday to take on Plymouth Argyle, as the hosts seek to end City’s unbeaten run, writes Kyle Fox.
After drastically improving their form over the past couple of months, Argyle will need to draw on their previous experience of bouncing back from defeat. They were beaten by Stockport County in their most recent outing, thanks to a brace from former Imp Kyle Wootton. They will be hopeful of securing a positive result from this match to potentially launch themselves into the top half of the table.
Lincoln, on the other hand, will be looking to extend the impressive unbeaten run once again and further cement their position as the current second-best side in the division. This fixture also gives them the opportunity to draw level with league leaders Cardiff, should the Bluebirds drop points for a second consecutive weekend.
Plymouth Argyle Form
After a horrendous start to the season, which saw the Pilgrims pick up just 13 points from their first 15 games, Tom Cleverley’s side have managed to drastically change the trajectory of their campaign. Over the most recent 14 matches, Plymouth rank fifth in terms of points collected during that period.
More recently, defeat for Argyle in their latest outing against Stockport County will have been a big blow. It was the first loss they have suffered since Boxing Day. Prior to last weekend, they were unbeaten in six league matches, recording three wins and three draws. Although Plymouth currently have the fourth-worst home record in the division, that position appears somewhat misleading lately due to their current run of four unbeaten home games (interestingly, they rank as the fifth-best away side in the division).
Lorent Tolaj is the joint fourth-highest scorer in the division with 12 goals in 24 matches, while also providing four assists, the joint most of any Plymouth player. He will miss this fixture through injury, however, Argyle’s second-top scorer, Aribim Pepple, has stepped up recently, with all four of his league goals coming in his last eight appearances. Midfielder Malachi Boateng also poses a threat, ranking joint-top assister alongside Tolaj. Former Imp Alex Mitchell likewise ranks highly as one of Plymouth’s top performers this season.
Lincoln City Form
The Imps are now twelve games unbeaten in the league, a run that dates back to a 1-0 home victory over Port Vale on 29 November. Most recently, City defeated struggling Wigan away from home with a solid performance and found a winner through yet another moment of Jack Moylan brilliance. His deft dink was his fourth goal in just his last three matches.
Team News
Lincoln will be feeling fortunate this weekend, as they will not have to face Plymouth’s talisman Lorent Tolaj, who has already missed three games with a severe dead leg. The Pilgrims are also very short of options at left-back, with Max Galloway sidelined after picking up an injury against Stockport, while Matthew Sorinola will miss the game after accumulating ten yellow cards.
Summer signing Jack MacKenzie is an option in that position but played only his first 28 minutes of the season against Stockport last weekend following a long-term injury. Goalkeeper Conor Hazard, defender Julio Pleguezuelo and midfielder Joe Ralls will also remain absent for this fixture. Deadline-day signings Wes Harding and Herbie Kane are likely to go straight into the squad.
City’s injury situation is almost identical to last week against Wigan, with the only exception being Oscar Thorn, who has returned to full team training this week. Adam Jackson and Josh Honohan still appear to be unavailable, while new signings Kamil Conteh and Deji Elerewe will be hoping to make the matchday squad for the first time.
Plymouth Argyle – Predicted XI
Ashby-Hammond, Edwards, Ross, Mitchell, MacKenzie, Dale, Sarpong-Wiredu, Boateng, Curtis, Watts, Pepple.
Previous Meetings
The two sides met in August, in a game that proved to be something of a rollercoaster for both teams. Lincoln scored within six minutes and added two more in the second half, at which point they looked comfortable. Later in the half, Plymouth hit back with two goals in two minutes, creating a nervy finale. Lincoln managed to see the game out and won 3-2 on the day.
Lincoln have won on their previous two visits to Home Park, but Plymouth’s last victory over City came in February 2021, in a dramatic 4-3 win that saw them claim a 91st-minute winner.
Prediction
Plymouth 1-2 Lincoln.