City return to the LNER Stadium on the opening day of 2025 as Rotherham United make the trip to Lincolnshire (3pm KO).
See what Michael Skubala and forward Ben House had to say ahead of the fixture, as well as reading up on all the important match information in this preview.
Skubala’s thoughts:
"Games are really close in this league, more so than last season, and every match we play is a tough one which means if you're not quite on it you get caught out. We've got to turn those losses into draws and draws into wins, which is our challenge at the minute.
"It's a quick turnaround but we know what questions they're going to ask, and their physicality and how they go about their work. We've got to stand up to that. We're at home and we were really good against Reading last time out, who have gone on to get some good wins, and we want to build on that and build some momentum."
Ben House:
“I thought we were in the game at Bolton at half-time on Sunday, and with 11 men we could have tested them. But as a group we need to deal with our sticky patch and we'll come through better for it.
"It's a tough league. Obviously there's standout teams in there like Birmingham City and Huddersfield Town, but in pretty much every game we've played we've been in the game. The standard is high but I don't think we're far from it.
"It's not too long since we played Rotherham, and that was a disappointing 2-1 loss as I thought in the second half we'd played well. I don't think either side will have changed too much since then and we're ready to go out there to work hard for a result."
A look at the opposition:
Steve Evans' side head to Lincolnshire on the back of a 1-1 draw with Stockport County at the AESSEAL New York Stadium which kept them four points above the relegation zone.
The Millers' management team of Evans and Paul Raynor need little introduction to Imps fans, having been regular opponents over the past 20 years since they first worked together in charge at Boston United.
Former Imp Sean Raggett scored the winning goal for Rotherham in the reverse fixture, which took place in South Yorkshire at the start of December. The last time this league fixture was played at the LNER Stadium it finished 1-1, with Lewis Fiorini levelling Michael Smith's opener in September 2021.
Form: LWWLLD
Top scorer: Jonson Clarke-Harris (6 goals)
Match Information:
City will take to the field in their traditional red, white and black home kit. You can purchase yours here.
Benjamin Speedie will be the referee for this fixture, assisted by Matthew Sowerby and Kenwyn Hughes. The fourth official is Sebastian Stockbridge.
Pukka Pies are the match sponsors.
With limited availability in home sections, The Stacey West Stand blocks 1 and 2 have been opened for City supporters. You can purchase your tickets now, by clicking here.
