City take on the Latics

Lincoln City travels to The Brick Community Stadium tomorrow to face a Wigan Athletic side determined to avoid being pulled into a relegation battle (kick-off 3pm).

Five points and five places in League One separate the sides which have both lost recent momentum they had worked hard to achieve. 

Ironically the Latics were curtailed by a 1-0 defeat at Peterborough United midweek after The Imps‘ 5-1 thrashing of Darren Ferguson’s men, while Blackpool put two past City to dampen progress.

Lincoln will face a Wigan side that has lost its top scorer Thelo Aasgaard to Luton Town in the Championship, which could bode well for the trip to Lancashire as the hosts had only scored 12 goals in 13 home matches with his services. 

However, Imps head coach Michael Skubala warned that losing its star striker could galvanise the opposition into a strong performance.

He also pointed to Wigan’s history last season when they had a patchy win or bust start towards the end of the campaign put together

“In some ways, they’re younger, like ourselves, and the young players grow and improve on performances and start to hit a bit of form. They can definitely hurt you on the day, but I think we’ve got the threats to also hurt them on the day, so I think it will be a really good game.”

Skubala did not rule out a first appearance by returning Lincoln midfielder Sam Clucas, who has been training to get into shape for the ‘intensity’ of League One with his ‘quality on the ball not in question’.

He also hinted there could be some last-minute action by the City as the transfer window closes today (January 31) to ensure any arising opportunities are acted on to strengthen the squad.

“It’s got to be the right move - we don’t just want numbers in the building.”