This Week's Opposition: Lincoln City

Cupid’s arrows were targeted on Pompey in midweek as Dane Scarlett helped the Blues to a 1-0 win at home to Burton Albion. Next up, from one mythological creature to the other… The Imps of Lincoln await at Sincil Bank.

Tuesday’s victory at Fratton Park served as Pompey’s first points maximum in 4 matches, following an accumulation of just 1 point from games against Peterborough, Barnsley and Plymouth Argyle.

John Mousinho’s side are back on the road this weekend and now we delve a little deeper into the names and numbers powering a Lincoln City side still unbeaten on home turf in the league this season.

MANAGER

Former Ipswich, Manchester City and Wolves coach Mark Kennedy is now at the helm of Lincoln City.

The Irishman took charge of the club on the 12th of May, 2022, on the same day as his departure from Birmingham City as Lee Bowyer’s assistant was announced.

Kennedy arrived at Sincil Bank having only previously managed 1 other team - He spent just 7 months at Macclesfield Town before resigning in August 2020, with the club having just been relegated to the National League as a result of receiving a points deduction from the EFL.

The 46-year-old has overseen 40 games in the dugout as Lincoln boss, claiming victory in 13 and therefore producing a win percentage currently standing at 32.5%.

ONE TO WATCH

25-year-old Olamide Shodipo will be someone to look out for this weekend.

The winger, who has been handed the number 11 shirt for The Imps for the remainder of the season, is on loan at the club from Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers.

Shodipo scored the opener for Lincoln at Derby County on Tuesday night - That his first goal for The Imps.

TOP SCORER

Lincoln’s top scorer in League One this season, Ben House, will not be eligible to feature in this weekend’s game.

The 23-year-old forward, who has found the back of the net on 7 occasions in the league so far this term, picked up 2 yellow cards and was therefore sent off in The Imps’ clash with Derby County in midweek.

Across all competitions, the Scotsman has bagged 8 goals, having also scored in Lincoln’s 3-1 Carabao Cup win at Bristol City back in November.

CURRENT FORM

Mark Kennedy’s side occupy 13th position in League One as things stand, 10 points clear of the drop zone and 15 behind the Play-Off places.

Recently they’ve gone 5 unbeaten, drawing 3 and winning 2 since their last league defeat away at Charlton on the 7th of January.

Lincoln have somewhat of a strange home record heading into this weekend’s meeting - They’re still unbeaten in the league at Sincil Bank having won 3 and drawn 11 of their 14 matches on home soil.

Last time out, The Imps shared the points with Derby County, following a 1-1 draw at Pride Park on Tuesday evening.

Can the Blues make it back-to-back victories and bring to an end Lincoln’s unbeaten home record?

Tune in for all of the unmissable action when Pompey Live returns this Saturday (February 18th) from 2pm with full coverage of Lincoln City vs Portsmouth in League One.

Robbie James and Jay Sadler provide pre-match build-up, half-time analysis and post-match reaction from Sincil Bank - Kick-off: 3pm!