Lincoln City are off to their usual crapathon of results at the start of the season, securing just 6 points from their opening 5 games, and those 6 points came against 2 of the worst sides that are in the division. City have only faced one of the genuine promotion contenders so far and were tonked 4-0 at home. Darlington on the other hand had made short work of their opposition, securing 11 points from 5 games, keeping an impressive 4 clean sheets in the process.
People often say that the starts to seasons are irrelevant because teams who are bottom after a few games can easily win promotion, and teams at the top can still be relegated, but City certainly need to start pulling their finger out because this squad doesn't strike me as one that has the willingness to succeed in a fight against relegation.
The official website has said that the performances of Ollie Ryan, Ben Wright and Owain Warlow in the reserves could force Schofield to re-consider his selection process. Ollie Ryan has been playing well in the reserves and pre-season and has barely had a look in during the season, so the chances of Schofield changing the starting line-up is highly unlikely.
The only question remains if Adie Moses gets back into the side at the expense of Gary Croft. The left back impressed many (one of the few who impressed at all) against Bradford and it will be interesting to see who starts. 3 of the 4 defenders are almost confirmed, with Beevers, Hoof and Amoo providing the rest of the defensive line.
In midfield will more than likely be Dodds, Freck, Hand and N'Guessan, with Stallard and Forrester providing what has so far been a very goal shy attack.
Darlo have a full squad to choose from with the exception of Collins and former City target, Martin Smith. Another former City target, Julian Joachim, will more than likely partner Pawel Abbott up from.
PREDICTION - DARLINGTON 4 CITY 1
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