After falling to defeat in the capital, City will look to return to winning ways in the league this weekend when Plymouth Argyle travel to Sincil Bank.
Despite gaining promotion with over 100 points in 22/23, Argyle never adapted to life in the Championship. In their first campaign in the second tier, Plymouth stayed up by the skin of their teeth, as a 1-0 win over Hull at Home Park saw the Greens retain their Championship status for another year. However, Argyle weren’t so lucky last season, as a late resurgence of form spearheaded by head coach Miron Muslic wasn’t enough to salvage a terrible start to the season.
Plymouth Argyle Transfers
Over the summer, the Devonshire outfit have lost a few key figures, on and off the field. Firstly, head coach Miron Muslic departed for German side Schalke, before top goalscorer Ryan Hardie switched to Wrexham. Ukrainian centre-back Maksym Taloverov signed for Stoke for £2million, and ever-present midfielder Adam Randall penned a deal with Bristol City. Lastly, record signing Michael Baidoo ended his unsuccessful period with Plymouth and departed on loan to Umm Salal FC.
These departures meant the Argyle board had to get its hands dirty, and the first job on the to-do list was to hire a new first team manager. The man Plymouth thought was best suited to the vacant role was Tom Cleverley, who had recently been shown the door by Watford. Cleverley’s first signings were Caleb Watts and Jamie Paterson, who came on free transfers from Exeter and Coventry respectively.
Jack Mackenzie from Aberdeen and Fleetwood’s Brendan Wiredu were the next through the door, before goalkeeper Luca Ashby-Hammond joined following the expiry of his contract at Fulham. Luton forward Arbim Pebble joined the Argyle ranks to supplement the strike force, and Bradley Ibrahim inked a deal to tighten up the midfield.
It’s been a busy window for Argyle, but not busy enough for some sections of the fanbase. Plymouth started on opening day with no natural centre-forward up front, and just like Lincoln, The Pilgrims need at least two or three bodies in the door to ensure they have a competitive squad for campaign that lies ahead.
Team News
For Michael Skubala, options are spread very thin once again. Our usual absentees in Dom Jefferies and Lewis Montsma will have more company than usual in the stands on Saturday, as Adam Jackson is suspended following his red card against AFC Wimbledon seven days ago.
After suffering from back discomfort, Reeco Hackett is unlikely to make the bench this weekend, and Ben House is back on the grass after overcoming the repercussions of his concussion, but isn’t likely to play a part.
Lastly, Jack Moylan is still waiting for the results of his MRI scan, but is definitely going to miss out on this weekend’s match with an ankle injury.
In the green corner, there are several players expected to miss out on Saturday’s encounter. Jack Mackenzie and Connor Hazard are out until the end of the month, and Joe Edwards, Brendan Galloway and Caleb Roberts are all unlikely to play a part as they recover from their respective injuries.
Match Referee
REFEREE: CARL BROOK
Linesmen: Andrew Ellis and Marvyn Amphlett
Fourth Official: Callum Walchester
After becoming an EFL official in the same year the Imps did nine years ago, Carl Brook has refereed over 142 games in the bottom half of the Football League. Last season, Brook presided over 20 league matches, with ten taking place in the third tier. In these games, he gave out 40 yellow cards, zero reds and pointed to the spot once.
Last weekend, Brook officiated the Exeter vs Blackpool match, giving out two yellow cards in a 4-1 Grecians win.
Previous Meetings
In the past five years, City have clashed with Argyle seven times, winning three, drawing two and losing two. In 20/21, City defeated Plymouth 2-0 at Sincil Bank, which was our last home league victory over Argyle. Our last meeting in Lincoln came during 22/23 campaign, the year Argyle were promoted as Champions. An early Adam Randall goal was cancelled out by a Max Sanders strike, and the game ended in a competitive 1-1 draw.
Our last encounter in League One is one Imps’ fans certainly look back fondly on, as City travelled to Devon and spoiled a promotion party by beating the Pilgrims 2-0 on Easter Weekend with goals from Mide Shodipo and Ben House.
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