City host newly-promoted Mansfield Town at the LNER Stadium on Saturday 24 August in their second home league game of the season.
Read the thoughts of both head coach Michael Skubala and summer signing JJ McKiernan, along with important details about the match in this preview.
Michael Skubala’s thoughts:
“Mansfield are really aggressive, they’ve got some big players in their team. They’ll be physical and they’ll be fast. When I saw them against Barnsley, they were impressive and hard to get hold of.
“They were really successful with what they did in League Two. They’ll be a tough team, we’ll have to be on it but there’s some things we can hurt them with and some moments we can be really effective against them.
“We’re still developing, we’re still evolving especially with some of the news lads coming in and doing what we’re asking them to do. I think we’re at a better start point than we were at the start of last season so tactically we’re getting there.
“We’re in a good spot, we’ve just got to find a rhythm and make sure the new lads are up to speed with everything.”
JJ McKiernan’s take:
“It’s been really good, we’ve got a great group of lads and staff who have been great with me. It’s been excellent and I’m really enjoying it.
“It’ll be a tough one, they’re a good, physical team but they can also get the ball down and play so it’ll be a good game for us to go and get a result out of.
“There’s nothing better than playing at home with the fans behind you. It was a real battle last week, so it was enjoyable, it’s a lot better when it’s a packed stadium with a lot of noise behind you.”
A look at the opposition:
Mansfield Town enjoyed a successful campaign last term as they achieved promotion to the third tier for the first time since 2002.
Led by the vastly experienced Nigel Clough, the Stags have gotten off to a promising start, defeating Barnsley 2-1 away from home on the opening day before backing that up with a thrilling 3-3 draw with Burton Albion.
The last time the two sides met was in the EFL Trophy group stages, where goals from Jamie Soule, Anthony Scully and Theo Archibald sealed progression for the Imps.
The addition of Lee Gregory looks to be a shrewd one with the former Millwall man already netting two goals in as many games for Town.
Match information:
City will once again line-up in their home kit as they welcome Nigel Clough’s side to the LNER Stadium.
Sebastian Stockbridge will be the man with the whistle on Saturday, and he will be supported by assistant referees Paul Newhouse and Anthony Da Costa as well as fourth official Paul Cooper.
