City travel to the Mazuma Mobile Stadium on Tuesday 10 December to face-off against Morecambe in the Vertu Trophy (7pm KO).
Read what Michael Skubala and Oisin Gallagher said ahead of the match, and catch up on important match information in this preview.
Skubala’s take:
“We have to use our squad as we’ve been thick and fast with games, and we don’t want to risk players we can’t afford to lose at the moment so there will be changes but like all rounds we’ll put a team on the pitch that can win the game.
“Morecambe haven’t quite got going, they’ve had a lot of changes and disruption in the summer as well. They have beaten some teams that surprise you so when they get going they’re quite effective and physical. You can never underestimate any team, that’s the most dangerous thing you can do. We’ve got to give them respect but have to be fearless in terms of how we approach the game.
“In these types of games, it’s sometimes a tricky affair and it can go either way but it’s a cup game and one we want to get through and get into the next stage.”
Gallagher’s thoughts:
“I’ve been enjoying it. Men’s football is a different test, which is what I need. It’s been good, there’s been ups and downs but that’s part of football. There’s a challenge every week, you come up against different tests, play different styles and teams.
“I’m with the lads every day, sometimes as a loan player you can feel a bit left out but training with them they’ve been good with me. Michael wanting me to come back for games is a really proud moment for me.
“The lads prepare for every game the exact same, we work on the opposition so in terms of in the training ground it’s not much different. We’ll go out and prepare as if it is a league game but we have to get ourselves up for it like every other game.”
A look at the opposition:
Derek Adams’ side have endured a difficult few months in the fourth tier and sit inside the relegation zone after 19 games, despite wins last month against Swindon Town and Harrogate Town.
The Vertu Trophy has been a different story for the Shrimps as they topped Group C with wins against Sky Bet League One side Wigan Athletic and Nottingham Forest U21.
Results haven’t gone their way at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium this season with just two wins on home soil, which both came in cup competitions.
City faced Morecambe at this stage of the competition in 2022 prevailing as winners on penalties.
Match information:
The Imps will wear their white away trip in the North West, which you can purchase HERE.
Michael Barlow will be the match referee for the game, and will be joined by his assistants Paul Newhouse and Alex Gray. The fourth official for the fixture is Jamie Waters.
Purchase your ticket for the game HERE.
