Chris Cohen expects a demanding test against Birmingham City on Saturday, but insists Lincoln City will be aware of the visitors’ threat without being scared of it.
The Imps welcome Birmingham to Sincil Bank before another busy spell of Championship football takes us towards the next international break.
For Chris, the immediate challenge is finding a way to impose our game on a side whose organisation and strength in depth under Chris Davies have impressed him.
“Chris always sets his teams up incredibly well,” he told BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Michael Hortin.
“You look at the players coming off the bench, and he’s got loads at his disposal who are more than capable of competing and thriving at this level.”
“We know the challenge we face. They’re always set up really well, and they’re always set up to be aggressive.
“It’ll be a really interesting football match in the way we play and the way they play, which is probably a little bit different from their League One team, but still with the same intensity and threat.”
That respect for the visitors will always be present in Chris and Tom Shaw’s side, but it will sit alongside a determination to make our own qualities count.
“As always, we’ll be completely aware of their threat, never scared of it, and hope we can implement what we want to do on the game as much as possible.”
Beyond Saturday, Cohen expects the demands of another three-game week to bring opportunities for different members of the squad. After Birmingham, it s quick turnaround for Watford on Tuesday, before welcoming the international break with a trip to Loftus Road, only our third in the Football League.
“Yes, we’ve got a monster week ahead of us before the next international break. In the two or three three-game weeks we’ve had so far, we’ve always made multiple changes, and I expect us to do the same.”
“As always, without sounding too boring, it’s about the right team for the game in front of us. Form, injuries and suspensions come into it, but it’s about the right game plan and then putting the players in.”
Tom Hamer’s suspension is up, while Mason Melia and Ethan Wheatley are likely to miss out. Either way, Chris remains confident in the options available, including players who have been waiting for their opportunity.
“We’ve said it so many times, we’re so content with the squad. We’re really happy with it. There are lots on the fringe, I won’t name names, who are missing out at the moment that we’d have absolutely no issue or problem with putting in.”
“In terms of what you’re speaking about, there is a world where you can play people together as well. It’s not always just that one plays or the other does. There are still so many games to go, and we’re really fortunate we’ve got so much competition for places.”
Birmingham come first, with Chris and Tom looking for the Imps to make their own mark against another demanding opponent. After that, the intense week could give those waiting on the fringes the chance to show why he has such faith in the squad.
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