The Imps welcome Birmingham City to the LNER Stadium for the first time since 1954 on Saturday 19 October (3pm KO).
Hear from head coach Michael Skubala and midfielder Ethan Erhahon as well as catching up on all the key match information in this preview.
Skubala’s thoughts:
“It’s just reward for Jovon to get his new contract. I’m really happy that the deal has been agreed, and that we can crack on. His future’s bright if he continues on the same trajectory, he’s still got a long way to go, but what’s really pleasing is that we’ve agreed a deal to move forward. Over the last few months with me he’s grown and grown, and become a real good threat for us on that top line.
“Birmingham are a really strong team, they’ve got very good players. We’ve got to be on it, there’s no doubt about that but we don’t want to be passive. We’re at home, we want to take the game to them, so we have to think a little bit differently about what we do on the day. It’s going to be a tough game, and we’re going to have to be really on it to get the three points.
“I’m currently doing 5k a day for the Prostate United challenge, my legs are in bits at the minute because we’ve done 17 days now and there’s been some late nights. It’s a privilege to be helping out the charity along with the Academy. There’s a few staff doing it, so if anyone can help a good cause it’d be great.”
You can donate to help Skubala complete the challenge HERE.
Erhahon’s take:
“The team is in a good place. When you go into an international break off the back of good results it’s always positive. We’ve then gone onto the training pitch and worked on things so we’re ready for Saturday.
“They’re a big club, they’ve had a bit of investment over the summer. They’ve just come down from the Championship, so it’s a big motivation to try and win. It’s a statement if you take three points off these, and it allows us to make our mark on the league.
“I think the clash of styles will suit us. We’ll look to implement our game plan, get the crowd behind us early against a team that may take risks at the back. Our eyes light up when we can get after teams so we’ll be looking forward to it.”
A look at the opposition:
Following relegation from the Sky Bet Championship, Birmingham’s first campaign back in Sky Bet League One since 1994-95 has started very well with Blues currently sitting top of the early standings.
With some eye-catching summer signings joining their ranks, Birmingham won seven consecutive league games following an opening day draw as they rocketed up the league.
Last week however, a dogged Charlton side got the better of Chris Davies’ men with the Addicks securing a 1-0 victory - ending Blues’ unbeaten league record.
Top scorer: Alfie May (5 goals)
Form: WWWWL
Match information:
The Imps will play in their red and white home strip which can be purchased HERE.
Simon Mather will be the match referee for Saturday’s fixture, with Anthony Da Costa and Danny Jarvis supporting him as his assistants. Michael Barlow has been named as the fourth official.
Get one of the few remaining tickets for the game HERE.
