Return of the King – the Impside track on Cats’ next opponents...
Sunderland are preparing to face Lincoln City in League One tonight – but what can Lee Johnson’s side expect at the Stadium of Light?
The Imps beat Sunderland in the play-offs last season but have struggled to get going this campaign.
Michael Appleton’s side did record a big 2-0 win over Oxford United on Saturday, though, a result which moved them up to 19th in the table, two points clear of the relegation zone.
Before that victory at the LNER Stadium, Lincoln had gone seven league matches without a win, while also sufferingsomedisappointingcup defeats.
Tofindoutmore,wecaught upwithLincolnreporterMark WhileyfromLincolnshireLive to get the inside track on Sunderland’s next opponents…
How has Lincoln’s season gone so far and what has changed since the last campaign?
MW: “It’s been tough to say the least! They had some fantastic loanees last season and they haven’t been replaced, although that was always going to be a tall order.
“Severalofthenewsignings haven’t worked out and one – Dan Nlundulu from Southampton–hasalreadybeensent back this month.
“They’vealsosufferedterribly with injuries to key players like defenders Joe Walsh and AdamJackson,midfieldlynchpin and captain Liam Bridcutt and targetman Tom Hopper.
“There have been some really poor performances, particularly in the run up to Christmas, but they were superb against Oxford on Saturday, which offered hope.”
What system are Lincoln likelytoplayagainstSunderland?
MW: “It’ll be 4-3-3, or a subtle variation of it, and they like to play out from the back. The widemen, Anthony Scully
and new loan signing Morgan Whittaker, will see plenty of the ball.
Who are their key players?
MW: “He’s only played one game but I would have to say Whittaker, who was outstandingagainstOxford,scoringthe second goal. He’s been a longterm target after they missed outonhimattheendofthelast window.
“There’s leading scorer Anthony Scully too, while Chris Maguire has become increasingly influential over the last couple of months.”
Maguire left Sunderland tojoinLincolninthesummer – how has he fared?
MW: “He had an injury disrupted start but has been one of the few consistent performers over the last few months. The fans have really warmed to him.
“He’s played all across the frontthreeandwasthecentral striker on Saturday.”
What’sthelatestteamand injury news?
MW: “How long have you got!?
“LewisMontsmajoinedthe list after picking up a knee injury on Saturday. That’s three central defenders out now.
“Bridcuttsufferedasetback intrainingonFridayandcould be out for a while.
“Walsh and Hopper are long-term absentees while Jackson is a couple of weeks away from returning due to concussion.”
Predicted line-up?
MW: “Griffiths: Bishop or Robson, Eyoma, Poole, Bramall; McGrandles, Sorensen, Fiorini; Whittaker, Maguire, Scully.”