The Imps welcome Barnsley to the LNER Stadium on Saturday 17 August for their first home league game of the 24/25 campaign (3pm KO).
Hear from head coach Michael Skubala and wing-back Tendayi Darikwa as well as important match information in this preview.
Michael Skubala’s thoughts:
“We knew when we went to their place how tough a game it would be, and when they came here it was a draw. Darrell Clarke’s gone in there after doing a brilliant job with Cheltenham to nearly keep them in the league.
“I don’t worry about everyone else’s expectations, we manage our own in the building and believe in what we can do. We just go into the next game and try to fight for three points as always.
“It’s a game we think we have to go after, we know we’re going to have to be aggressive and physical because that’s what they are. We’re really looking forward to the first league home game and hopefully we pack the place out and put in a good performance.
“If you want to go on a good run you need to be really strong and hard to beat at home, but you also need to score goals, and with the fans getting behind the team hopefully we can put on a performance and try and get the three points.”
Tendayi Darikwa’s take:
“We’re going to focus on ourselves and try to take care of business. Obviously they’ll have their own expectations in how they see things this season but for us it’s just about taking each game as it comes.
“A lot of the players have told me about how the boys were flying at home in the second half of last season. I’ve heard good things about the fans about how they really get behind the boys.
“There will be times this season where we need the supporters to push us on in games and hopefully on Saturday they can get behind us and we can give them something to cheer about.”
A look at the opposition:
After losing in the play-off semi-finals to Bolton Wanderers last season, expectations are high coming into the 24/25 campaign for the Tykes.
Darrell Clarke’s reign didn’t get off to the dream start however as his team fell to a 2-1 defeat to League One newcomers Mansfield Town.
The last time the two sides met, Skubala’s outfit put on a show as two magnificent solo efforts from Jack Moylan grabbed the headlines in a 5-1 win at Oakwell.
But with Clarke now in the building alongside the additions of experienced heads Conor Hourihane and Marc Roberts - the Imps can expect a different proposition.
Match information:
City will give their new home kit a first league run-out this campaign as the Imps make their anticipated return to Sky Bet League One action at the LNER Stadium.
Martin Coy will lead the team of match officials on Saturday, with Thomas Harty and Jonathon Block acting as his assistants. Matthew Mcquillan has been named as the fourth official.
