Lincolnvs.Leyton Orient

Although these two clubs sit in eighth and 10th position in the standings respectively, just five points separate the latter to sixth place.

Match preview

When Lincoln suffered four successive defeats during the Christmas and New Year period, supporters would have been content with seeing Michael Skubala removed from his position in the dugout.

However, that is most certainly not the case anymore, Lincoln have put together a 13-match undefeated streak as well as going on an astonishing scoring streak of late.

As many as 16 goals have been scored in just three games, that run starting with a 5-1 victory being posted away at promotion contenders Barnsley.

That has since been followed by 6-0 and 5-0 triumphs over Cambridge United and Bristol Rovers respectively, almost a third of their 34 home league goals in 20 games being netted in two fixtures.

Furthermore, the Imps boast the best home defensive record in the division, conceding just 13 times, and it leaves Leyton Orient under no illusions over the size of the task in front of them on Friday.

Nevertheless, just three points separate the two sides and Leyton Orient will relish their tag of underdogs in the promotion race with this being their first campaign back in the third tier.

Richie Wellens's side had recently put together their worst form since the start of December, losing to Bristol Rovers and Wigan Athletic respectively before being held to a goalless draw by Port Vale.

Leyton Orient did not score a single goal during those fixtures, yet they were able to deliver a 1-0 success at promotion rivals Stevenage in their last outing on March 16.

Possessing the seventh-best away record in the division with 30 points coming from 20 matches, Orient will not be overawed by the challenge that awaits them at the LNER Stadium.

Lincoln City League One form:

W

W

D

W

W

W

Leyton Orient League One form:

W

W

L

L

D

W

Team News

With Ethan Erhahon being dismissed for two yellow cards against Bristol Rovers, Skubala will be forced into tinkering with his Lincoln XI.

Teddy Bishop could be brought back into the starting lineup as a straight replacement, the rest of the team potentially remaining the same.

Ethan Galbraith should return to the Leyton Orient squad after serving a suspension for collecting his second red card of the season.

However, following the win over Stevenage, he may have to make do with a spot on the substitutes' bench with Wellens likely to show preference to selecting the same players from the previous game.

Theo Archibald, Adam Thompson and Jordan Graham are all in line to stay on the sidelines.

Lincoln City possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Mitchell, O'Connor, Roughan; Sorensen, Moylan, Erhahon, Mandroiu, Hackett-Fairchild; Taylor, Makama

Leyton Orient possible starting lineup:

Brynn; Hunt, Beckles, Cooper, James; Pratley, Mizouni; Forde, Sanders, Sotiriou; Pigott

We say: Lincoln City 2-1 Leyton Orient

While Lincoln have recently produced the most consistent form, we cannot ignore Leyton Orient's recent win at Stevenage. That said, Lincoln would be backed against many teams in this division right now, leading us to go with a hard-fought success for the home side.

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