Lincoln v Sunderland predictions: Imps ready to reward returning supporters

Free football tips, best bets and analysis for Lincoln City v Sunderland in the League One playoff semi-final first leg on Wednesday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Football, 6pm Wednesday

Best bet

Lincoln
1pt 2-1 Betfair, Paddy Power

Team news

Lincoln
Adam Jackson (hip) is fully fit and may return to the starting line-up.

Sunderland
Dion Sanderson, Arbenit Xhemajli and Jordan Willis are sidelined but Jake Vokins (Covid-19), Ross Stewart and Tom Flanagan (both hamstring) are back in contention.

Match preview

Lincoln have the worst home record among League One's top six but they will welcome their fans back for their playoff semi-final first leg against Sunderland and the extra support may give them the boost they need to carve out an advantage.

The Imps finished fifth in the third tier despite compiling the best away record in the division with 13 wins, six draws and four defeats.

However, home advantage could have a bigger impact in the playoffs and Lincoln will be looking to take a lead into Saturday's return match at the Stadium of Light, when the entire 10,000 crowd will be supporting Sunderland.

The Black Cats have taken four points off the Imps, including a remarkable 4-0 success at Sincil Bank last December. But they struggled during the run-in, winning only one of their last nine games, and they are under more pressure than any of their playoff rivals.

Poor defending has been an issue for Sunderland with no clean sheets kept since March and manager Lee Johnson is short of defensive options with Jordan Willis and Dion Sanderson injured and Tom Flanagan short of match fitness.

Attack may be Sunderland's best form of defence and a lot depends on the combination play of Aidan McGeady – one of the best crossers in the lower leagues – and centre-forward Charlie Wyke, who is outstanding in the air.

However, Lincoln's ability to deal with Wyke is improved by the recent recovery from injury of defenders Adam Jackson and Joe Walsh and they have exciting options in attack.

The Imps possess three players with double-figure goal tallies - Jorge Grant (13), Brennan Johnson (ten) and Anthony Scully (11) - and they have every chance of securing a first-leg success.

Key stat

Sunderland have not kept a clean sheet in their last ten matches.

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