Lincoln City play host to Rotherham United on New Year's Day requiring a win to remain in contention for the playoffs.
At a time when the home team sit in 12th position in the League One table, the Millers are down in 17th place and seven points adrift of their next opponents.
Match preview
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Although Lincoln have been considered playoff contenders throughout this campaign, they are on the verge of losing that tag.
Just one victory has been posted in their last 10 outings - at home to sixth-placed Reading - to leave the Imps on the brink of dropping into the bottom half of the standings.
On the back of losing at lowly Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day, the Imps went down to a 3-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on Sunday.
Having played at least one match more than many of the teams above them, Michael Skubala knows that he is under increasing pressure to instigate a change in fortunes.
With 17 points having come from their 10 home league fixtures this season, Lincoln will be confident of taking advantage of encounters against Rotherham and Stevenage in the space of three days.
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Rotherham are currently on a run of three games without success, yet some context is required before casting a negative judgement.
After back-to-back 1-0 reverses to Mansfield Town and Wigan Athletic, Steve Evans's side were able to earn a 1-1 draw at home to Stockport County last time out.
Seven points have now been accumulated from five matches to keep the Yorkshire outfit four points clear of the drop zone.
However, with a tough run of games ahead of them, there will be an acknowledgement that another victory needs to be recorded as soon as possible in order to ease the pressure of a second relegation in succession.
Team News
![Rotherham United manager Steve Evans during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Wycombe Wanderers and Rotherham United at Adams Park, High Wycombe, England, on 24 August 2024. [on August 25, 2024]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/34/steve-evans.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "Rotherham United manager Steve Evans during the EFL Sky Bet League 1 match between Wycombe Wanderers and Rotherham United at Adams Park, High Wycombe, England, on 24 August 2024. [on August 25, 2024]")
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Lincoln will be forced into a change in midfield with Ethan Erhahon serving a one-match ban for being sent off at Bolton.
Tom Bayliss may be handed a start in his place, but Bailey Cadamarteri could retain his place in attack having scored three times in five outings.
Meanwhile, Evans could select the same Rotherham XI after they claimed a point with Stockport last time out.
If an alteration is made, Andre Green is an alternative to Joseph Hungbo on the left-hand side of midfield.
Sean Raggert remains sidelined for the Millers through injury.
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Wickens; Montsma, O'Connor, Roughan; Darikwa, McGrandles, Bayliss, Hamilton, Hackett; Cadamarteri, House
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Phillips; Rafferty, Odoffin, Jules, James; Nombe, Kelly, Powell, Hungbo; Wilks, Clarke-Harris
We say: Lincoln City 2-1 Rotherham United
With both teams out of form, anything could happen in this fixture. Rotherham need a win as much as their hosts, yet we feel that Lincoln will throw caution to the wind in order to secure a potentially-pivotal three points come the end of the season.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
