Michael Appleton may consider shaking up Lincoln line-up after home defeat

Posted Friday, March 04, 2022 by PA

Lincoln boss Michael Appleton could look to shake up his side for the visit of Sky Bet League One promotion chasers Sheffield Wednesday.

Appleton labelled the 2-0 home defeat by Gillingham on Tuesday night as “not good enough”, having switched to a 4-4-2 line-up with fit again striker Tom Hopper joining John Marquis in attack.

On loan Swansea pair Morgan Whittaker and Liam Cullen are options for Appleton as he aims to avoid a third straight defeat.

Midfielder Max Sanders also came off the bench against the Gills, so could be in line for a return to the starting XI, while defender Adam Jackson continues to manage an ankle problem.

Sheffield Wednesday sit fifth in the table after chalking up a third straight win with a 5-2 victory over Burton on Tuesday night.

Midfielder George Byers missed the game with a slight muscle strain, while defender Lewis Gibson will be hoping for another opportunity after making his first start in over four months.

Forward Lee Gregory and midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru could both be back in contention for the trip to the Sincil Bank after returning to training from their own injury lay-offs.

Saido Berahino’s fitness continues to be managed, which saw him come off the bench for the last 30 minutes on Tuesday night to replace Sylla Sow.