Lincoln City play host to Reading on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that would take them level on points with their opponents.
These two sides sit in ninth and sixth position respectively in the League One table, albeit cut adrift of the top three.
Match preview
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Having started October by extending their unbeaten league run to seven league games, Michael Skubala and his Lincoln side would have expected to kick on.
Instead, just two victories - both coming at the LNER Stadium - have been recorded in 11 matches, leaving the Imps three points adrift of the playoffs.
With several of the teams above them having matches in hand, Skubala is aware of the importance of ending their current seven-game run without success.
On a positive note, though, Lincoln have at least avoided defeat in their last two fixtures, securing shares of the spoils with Charlton Athletic and Huddersfield Town.
The aim will now be to take advantage of a Reading side that are still adapting to having promoted Noel Hunt to the position of permanent head coach.
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Given their off-the-field issues, it came as no surprise that the current hierarchy looked to personnel already at the Madejski Stadium for an alternative to Ruben Selles.
Reading initially responded to his move to Hull City with a spirited draw at leaders Wycombe Wanderers before succumbing to a penalty-shootout defeat to Walsall in the EFL Trophy having failed to hold onto a lead with nine men.
Last time out, the Royals were comprehensively outplayed by Blackpool in front of their own supporters, highlighting that the transition under Hunt will not be seamless.
Although Reading travel to Lincoln with just two wins from 10 away fixtures in the third tier during 2024-25, they are currently on a four-match unbeaten streak.
Team News
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The likes of Lincoln duo Tom Bayliss and Tom Hamer are both regarded as doubtful for this contest due to injury.
Skubala could opt to select an unchanged starting lineup, his side having been ahead at Huddersfield before he began to tinker with his team.
As for Reading, it is likely to be a different story with experienced defender Harlee Dean among those who could be handed an opportunity.
Mamadi Camara may also potentially replace Chem Campbell, who was ineffective last time out.
Andy Yiadom, Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan and Kelvin Abrefa are all expected to remain on the sidelines.
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Wickens; Montsma, O'Connor, Roughan; Darikwa, McGrandles, Erhahon, Hackett; House; Makama, Cadamateri
Reading possible starting lineup:
Pereira; Craig, Dean, Bindon, Garcia; Elliott, Wing, Savage; Camara, Smith, Knibbs
We say: Lincoln City 2-0 Reading
Although Lincoln are very much out of form, we cannot ignore that Reading are still getting to grips with life under Hunt. With that in mind, we are backing the home side to edge this contest in the latter stages.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
