Promotion hopefuls Sunderland visit Lincoln City this weekend. The Black Cats are currently fifth in League One but have had frustrating times away from home in the league. However, three points will help their confidence to continue to grow.
Sunderland are coming into this game on the back of a League Cup win at Sheffield United, and a league victory at home to MK Dons. Confidence and a winning habit are key to a successful promotion campaign. Three points this weekend would be a huge boost for confidence, especially away from home where performances and results have been inconsistent.
Sunderland Visit Lincoln City Looking for a Further Confidence Boost
Inconsistent Away League Form
From their five away league games so far, Sunderland have won two, had two fortuitous draws and suffered a three-nil defeat. If Sunderland can get the three points at Lincoln, it will not only get their away form back on track but give them their third win in a row in all competitions.
Cup Away Victories Give Confidence
In the Carabao Cup this season, the Black Cats have been in impressive form. All of their three games so far have been away from home. Unlike in the league, their results away have been anything but inconsistent. A 3-1 victory at Accrington Stanley was followed by an impressive win at Premier League side Burnley. The score again being 3-1. In the last round, they travelled to Sheffield United. An excellent Max Power strike sealing a one-nil win.
Winning Habit
Much has been said about the number of draws Sunderland have had since Jack Ross took charge. 19 league draws last season has been followed by a further four so far in this current league campaign. However, Sunderland come into this game on the back of two victories.
If Sunderland are to successfully challenge for promotion a winning habit is a must. Avoiding defeat is one thing, however, Jack Ross’s men must be more ruthless in front of goal to make this their last season in England’s third tier.
Lincoln Having Problems
Having won their opening four games since being promoted, Lincoln have struggled. Promotion winning manager Danny Cowley has moved on to Huddersfield Town. Former Oxford United manager Michael Appleton is now in charge.
Lincoln have lost five of their last six games. This run includes a six-nil home defeat by Oxford. Michael Appleton is hoping that this poor run has made some of his players mentally strong. Speaking to the club website, he said:
“You don’t learn that much about your players when you’re winning from a mentality point of view, and you end up managing more of the lads that aren’t in the team. But when things aren’t going so well on the pitch, you learn who the mentally strong characters are and who will dig deep for you.”
Team News
Sunderland could have Aiden McGeady and Marc McNulty back for Saturday. Both have begun training again on Thursday and could make the squad. Speaking to the Sunderland Echo, Jack Ross said:
“We’ll see how they react to the training session today and then decide, obviously, over the course of tomorrow as to their involvement at the weekend. Hopefully, they’ll make up a part of the squad if there’s no reaction to what they did today.
Lincoln manager Michael Appleton has confirmed that defender Michael Bostwick is still out of contention. The 31-year-old has not featured since injuring his calf during the 1-0 defeat to Bristol Rovers.
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