City return to Sincil Bank on Tuesday night following a defeat to Peterborough United on Saturday, with EFL Trophy action looming.
Mark Kennedy and his side came under some criticism following a poor second half performance that saw them hand Peterborough a 2-0 lead with goals coming from David Ajiboye and Joel Randall. City return to Sincil Bank for back-to-back fixtures this week, with the first coming in the EFL Trophy against Wolves U21 and then it’s a return to League One action against Burton Albion.
The EFL Trophy fixture offers Kennedy the chance to rotate his side, and give opportunities to players that have failed to feature regularly in league action. In terms of injuries, Ben House and Tyler Walker remain unavailable as does Jack Vale, while it’s the severity of the injury to Lasse Sorensen is unknown. Other than that, City have a full complement of players to choose from, as well as the ability to use both Charley Kendall and Jay Benn, although the latter has been not been involved with Solihull Moors of late due to injury.
Goalkeeper – 12. Jordan Wright
Lukas Jensen has gone from strength to strength this season and has earned plaudits for his performances – especially in high profile cup ties against Sheffield United and West Ham. Jensen will likely return to the bench against Wolves giving Jordan Wright his second appearance of the season, with his first coming in the first fixture in the EFL Trophy against Derby.
Centre-Half – 22. TJ Eyoma
TJ Eyoma began the season well, starting City’s first three league fixtures. The central defender’s game time has suffered with the signing of Alex Mitchell and the fitness of Adam Jackson but he could be recalled into action on Tuesday night. He started City’s last EFL Trophy game against Derby, and also captained the side that night.
Centre-Half – 25. Alex Mitchell
Alex Mitchell has impressed City fans since arriving on loan from Millwall in the summer. As the youngest member of the back-three that started last Saturday against Peterborough, he’ll likely retain his place, giving both Adam Jackson and Paudie O’Connor a rest ahead of a crunch fixture on Saturday against Burton Albion.
Centre-Half – 23. Sean Roughan
Sean Roughan has had a difficult week, the young Irish defender made a mistake that led to a goal last Tuesday against Leyton Orient and he had a tough afternoon against Peterborough up against the pace of Kwame Poku. Kennedy moved Roughan into wing-back on Saturday, opting for a more defensive approach but the 20-year-old will be looking to return to centre-half, where he’s much more comfortable.
Left Wing-Back – 3. Jaden Brown
Jaden Brown returned to City’s starting XI against Cheltenham Town and made successive league starts for just the second time this season, after making the team against Leyton Orient last Tuesday. The 24-year-old dropped to the bench against Peterborough but he will be looking to impress on Tuesday night as he attempts to nail down a place in Kennedy’s league side.
Right Wing-Back – 16. Jack Burroughs
It’s likely that even if Sorensen is declared fit he’ll be rested on Tuesday night to protect him ahead of a crucial fixture against Burton Albion on Saturday. Jay Benn would’ve been in line to make his second City appearance of the season (the Imps have an agreement in Benn’s loan that he’s available for selection in EFL Trophy games) but he’s not featured for the last few weeks at Solihull Moors due to injury so it’s likely Jack Burroughs will have to start.
Central Midfield – 8. Ali Smith
Ali Smith has become the victim of Ethan Hamilton and Ethan Erhahon’s incredible form in midfield. The former Sutton United man hasn’t had many chances to show his capability in midfield, and has been utilised out of position in the league due to injuries in recent week. It’s clear that using Smith on the wing isn’t going to get the best out of him, so he’ll welcome a start in midfield against Wolves.
Central Midfield – 26. Oisin Gallagher
Oisin Gallagher hasn’t been part of City’s matchday squad since he made his first start for the club against Derby last time out in the EFL Trophy and it’s likely he’ll be recalled tomorrow night. Gallagher was a bright spark in a tough night at Pride Park, and Tuesday will offer him another golden opportunity to impress Kennedy and continue his development.
Right Wing – 17. Dylan Duffy
Dylan Duffy’s time on the pitch this season has been limited, even with injuries to key players such as House, Walker and Danny Mandroiu in the attacking areas. Duffy made his only start of the season in the EFL Trophy against Derby and it’s likely he’ll get another opportunity to impress on Tuesday night, ahead of Reeco Hackett, who has started City’s last five games in all competitions.
Left Wing – 30. Mide Shodipo
Mide Shodipo returned to the Imps last week on a permanent deal on a short term contract. Shodipo will be key for Kennedy over the next few months as the Imps look to limit the damage with injuries to key attacking players. Tuesday night offers Shodipo the perfect chance to get minutes under his belt and build up his match fitness as he aims to secure a place in Kennedy’s starting team against Burton and beyond that fixture.
Striker – 21. Hakeeb Adelakun
Hakeeb Adelakun made a remarkable turnaround to even wear a City shirt again. He has done well since coming back but in the last few games, he has struggled to make an impact. Against Peterborough he looked lost in patches and with Mandroiu returning to fitness and Shodipo signing a short term deal, Kennedy won’t need to rely on Adelakun anywhere near as much as he has done over the last few weeks. Kennedy may opt to start Adelakun against Wolves though to boost his confidence in the final third and continue to build his match sharpness, as he’ll certainly still be needed over the next few months.
