Preview: Lincoln City vs. Bristol Rovers - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors have failed to score in their last two matches, and have little chance of catching the top six teams in the table.

Match preview

Lincoln, on the other hand, have every chance of making it into the playoffs having extended their unbeaten run to 12 league matches in some style against Cambridge United on Tuesday evening.

Michael Skubala's side made it 11 goals in two matches when thrashing the U's 6-0 at Sincil Bank, with Jack Moylan and Joe Taylor both helping themselves to braces. Late goals from substitutes Timothy Eyoma and Dylan Duffy sealed the rout for the hosts, who moved three points behind sixth-placed Stevenage Town in the process.

Lincoln have generally struggled to score goals in recent seasons, but their goal glut in recent weeks has already moved them beyond last season's total tally of 47 goals scored. With Taylor and Moylan both finding their shooting boots in recent weeks, Skubala will be increasingly confident of nabbing that sixth and final playoff spot.

However, they have little room for error, especially with the likes of Blackpool and Oxford United also chasing Stevenage down. Only seven sides in the division have a worse defensive record than Bristol Rovers, though, so Skubala and his players will be confident of continuing their goalscoring efforts on Saturday.

Bristol Rovers, who have a game in hand on their forthcoming opponents, could move five points behind them if they can spring a surprise victory in Lincolnshire. However, their hopes of reaching the top six have all been ended by some patchy form since the turn of the year.

Matt Taylor's side were soundly beaten 3-0 at home to automatic promotion contenders Derby County last weekend, before being held to a goalless draw away to Fleetwood Town in midweek.

It was the second time within the space of five weeks that Charlie Adam's side had prevented the Gas from scoring, after beating them 2-0 at Memorial Stadium in early February. Both sides had plenty of chances with 14 shots apiece, but neither could find the crucial breakthrough.

Taylor's main ambition for the campaign may be holding onto a top half position, with the likes of Wycombe Wanderers and Wigan Athletic both within three points of them from the bottom half heading into this weekend's action. He would certainly love to witness his side keep another clean sheet on Saturday, but that may be unlikely given Lincoln's recent form.

Lincoln City League One form:

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Bristol Rovers League One form:

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Team News

Lincoln will remain without central defender Lewis Montsma due to a long-term cruciate ligament injury, with Skubala unlikely to make any changes after seeing his side emphatically defeat Cambridge on Tuesday.

The likes of Duffy and Eyoma clearly provide great options to mix things up from the bench after scoring in midweek, while former Ipswich Town midfielder Teddy Bishop can also provide a touch of class in midfield if he is called upon once again.

Bristol Rovers, meanwhile, will travel without Brandon Aguilera due to a long-term tendon issue. The Nottingham Forest loanee has been out of action since sustaining the injury last month.

Taylor has options to freshen things up should he want to, with the likes of Grant Ward, Harry Vaughan, Josh Grant and John Marquis all named on the substitutes' bench at Fleetwood last time out.

Lincoln City possible starting lineup:

Jensen; Mitchell, O'Connor, Roughan; Sorensen, Moylan, Erhahon, Mandroui, Hackett-Fairchild; House, Taylor

Bristol Rovers possible starting lineup:

Ward; Hoole, Taylor, Baggott, Gordon; Finley, Conteh; Vale, Evans, Sinclair; Martin

We say: Lincoln City 3-1 Bristol Rovers

Lincoln are flying at the moment, and it may take a superior side to Bristol Rovers to stop Skubala's side. The former Leeds United caretaker boss has let the shackles off in recent weeks, with the Imps posting an unbeaten record of 12 matches.

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