Lincoln City and Michael Skubala will have to wait a week for a reunion, as the Championship fixture at Bristol City has been pushed back by one week following the Carabao Cup third-round draw.
The Imps had been due to visit Ashton Gate on Tuesday 8 September, but the game will now take place on Tuesday 15 September, with kick-off remaining at 7.45 pm. That change accommodates City’s trip to AFC Bournemouth in the third round of the Carabao Cup, with the tie set to be played during the week commencing Monday 7 September.
Although the date and kick-off time have not yet been officially confirmed by the EFL, Tuesday 8 September appears to be the most likely slot for the game. Bournemouth are currently scheduled to travel to Newcastle United in the Premier League on Saturday 5 September before hosting Brentford on Saturday 12 September. A Tuesday night cup tie would give them three days between each fixture, fitting neatly into the existing schedule.
Wednesday 9 September remains another possibility, particularly if the game is selected for broadcast, but that would leave Bournemouth with one day fewer to prepare for their meeting with Brentford. It would also stuff me up, as my wife is away that night and I’d be on dog duty and not have the car!
The wider third-round schedule is still being finalised because of broadcast selections and the involvement of Premier League clubs in European competition. Bournemouth are also due to play in the Europa League during the week commencing Monday 14 September, meaning the Lincoln tie cannot be played then.
Soccerbase is already listing the fixture for Tuesday 8 September, although supporters should treat that as provisional until confirmation arrives from either club or the EFL. The Bristol City postponement strongly suggests that Lincoln’s trip to the south coast will take place on either Tuesday 8 or Wednesday 9 September, with the Tuesday currently looking the more logical option.
Further information about the Bournemouth and Bristol City fixtures, including ticket arrangements, will be announced by the club in due course.
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