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OPPOSITION INSIGHT: Lincoln City
Swindon play Lincoln tonight for the first time since 2007, and to get more information on the Imps, Total Sport spoke to Mark Whiley, the Lincoln City writer for Lincolnshire Live.
1) Lincoln are obviously a newly-promoted club this season. What do you think was the summer aim for the club and its fans? Is survival the priority or is there a belief that a lot more can be achieved this term?
"Fans’ expectations at the start of the season were sky high and almost 6,000 season tickets were sold. Many were expecting another promotion challenge. Danny Cowley was more cautious.
"He wants to be mid-table around Christmas, strengthen the squad in January and then push on in the second half of the season. At the moment, they’re on target."
2) On that note, the club currently occupies a respectable 10th ahead of kick-off tonight. Is that a fair reflection of the campaign up to this point?
"Yes, it’s been a very solid start to the season. They’ve not been outplayed by any team and have only lost to Notts County, Mansfield and Exeter. Goals have dried up a bit recently but they’re defending very well."
3) For multiple reasons, the Cowley brothers have been attracting a lot of attention in the last year or so. Is there a worry that they might not be at Lincoln much longer due to their ever-increasing reputation?
"It’s obvious they will move on at some stage but I can see them staying for at least a couple more seasons. They’re making long terms plans, like revamping the youth set-up and eager to move to a new training ground which suggests they’re in it for the long haul.
"I also think that when they do move on, it will be in the summer. I’d be very surprised if they go anywhere mid-season. If they can achieve another promotion with Lincoln, they could have the pick of some very attractive Championship jobs."
4) The FA Cup first-round draw was made yesterday. Lincoln obviously had a record-breaking year in the competition last season, will that be something considered important again or is League Two the key, or perhaps only, focus this season.
"The league is the priority but no-one would turn down another cup run.
"Last season was the greatest in the club’s history because of the cup run. That said, I don’t think it would be a disaster if they go out early. They can focus on the league and Cowley is also keen to do well in the Checkatrade Trophy. He and the club have never been to Wembley."
4) Lincoln drew AFC Wimbledon away in that cup draw. Do you expect Lincoln to make it to round two at least?
"It’s a tough draw against Wimbledon but they knocked out four higher league clubs last season so they won’t be in awe of the Dons. I think it will be a good test for the team."
5) What is the team news for the Imps ahead of tonight. Any injuries?
"Winger Harry Anderson is a doubt but Cowley said on Monday he was hopeful he would be available. Centre-back Sean Raggett is available again after serving a one-match suspension."
6) Of those that will definitely play, who should Swindon be paying close attention to as a potential Lincoln threat?
"Anderson has been City’s best attacking player recently. If he plays, he will be one to watch. Raggett is a threat from set-pieces too."
7) And finally: what sort of encounter are you expecting in Swindon?
"I think Lincoln might have to do a lot of defending but they’re defending well so I can see a draw. 1-1."
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