We go to Rotherham United this weekend. We’ve only won there once since 1958, although they did snatch a late leveller in 1983/84.
On that occasion, it was not 11 v 11 for very long – Gordon Hobson and Gerry Forrest (later Southampton team mates) were sent off in the first ten minutes. We ended up conceding a late leveller, something we will hope to avoid tomorrow, should we score early.
Who would I pick for the Imps tomorrow? Here’s my starting XI. Note – it’s not a predicted one, as I think at least one of my picks would be a little too bold.
Goalkeeper
George Wickens starts, no question. Zach Jeacock is a strong deputy, and Jamie Partington still has a future ahead of him, likely with another loan, but Wickens is the clear number one.
Defence
Right-back is tricky. Tendayi Darikwa’s red card was harsh in my view, and although some say he brought it on himself, referees often use common sense in those situations. Mal Benning was booked for dissent on Boxing Day, but then not sent off for Shrewsbury minutes later for a foul. Sadly, that didn’t happen here, and quite how falling over and getting straight back up is classed as a dive, I’ll never know.
That means at right back we’re left with a choice between Tom Hamer and Dexter Lembikisa. For me, it’s Hamer at right-back. He gives width, brings the long throw, and offers a bit of aggression we’ll need away from home. Left-back stays as Adam Reach, who’s done enough to keep his place.
At centre-back, I’m going with Sonny Bradley and Adam Jackson. If Jackson can do the full ninety (and a behind-closed-doors friendly this week may have helped that), that’s our best pairing. Should there be any doubt, Hamer can slot inside with Lembikisa coming in at right-back.
I’m wary about relying solely on Lewis Montsma from the bench for this game. He’s been fine in some games — like Chelsea — but physically he’s struggled in others. Against Daniel Udoh and Salford, for instance, he was overpowered and caught out of position.
Midfield
Holding midfield remains straightforward. It’s Conor McGrandles and Tom Bayliss again. McGrandles has been immense this season and Bayliss, while underrated by some, drives us forward and delivers well from set pieces. Ivan Varfolomeev remains an option if needed, but this pairing keeps us balanced.
Both need to stay disciplined with bookings close to the limit, though. With Doncaster on the horizon, we can’t afford suspensions.
Attack
This is where it gets interesting. The three behind the striker could go a few ways, but I’d start Erik Ring on the left, Freddie Draper in the ten, and Rob Street wide right.
Ring impressed me last week and deserves to start, though I suspect Michael Skubala might use him from the bench. He’s direct, sharp, and perfect for an early push. Draper’s been excellent centrally — strong, intelligent, and improving every game.
Ben House will be a big miss. By Wyscout’s metrics, House is the best left-sided attacker in League One this season. His journey’s been remarkable: once a project player, then our main striker, then written off after injury, now arguably our most consistent forward. That’s a testament to hard work and character.
However, Rob Street has looked comfortable from the right, and has two of the last three goals we scored, so he’ll slot in nicely.
Striker
Up front, James Collins starts. The goals aren’t flowing yet, but his movement and work rate are still there. Every striker has droughts, and he’s still getting into shooting positions.
The goals will come if we keep creating chances. Collins last went ten games without a goal at this level in 2022/23, a run that started against us at Pride Park on Valentine’s Day.
Subs and Approach
We’ll likely see Hackett, Okoronkwo, and Justin Obikwu off the bench. Obikwu’s cameo against Luton showed flashes of what he can offer from the bench: pace, power, unpredictability.
He did well against Bradford as well, but given Rotherham’s injury worries, I think having pace on the bench and energy late on could be key.
The Opposition
Rotherham United are in the middle of an injury crisis, with as many as fourteen players missing at one stage. They went to extra-time against Swindon last weekend and followed that with a midweek draw against Burton.
Head coach Matt Hamshaw admitted several players were pushed through sixty minutes when they shouldn’t have been.
That’s where we can take advantage. They’ll be leggy, and we’ve had a full week’s rest. If we don’t break them early, we can wear them down and take the points late on.
Prediction
So that’s my XI in our 4-2-3-1 formation: Wickens; Hamer, Jackson, Bradley, Reach; McGrandles, Bayliss; House, Draper, Ring; Collins.
There’s strength, balance, and enough depth from the bench to turn it if needed. If we bring energy and patience, we can take advantage of Rotherham’s stretched squad and get a big away result.
We’ve lost a couple recently, but the performances have been there. Keep creating, stay tight, and the goals will come.
Up the Imps.