Credit Graham Burrell
This weekend’s game feels important. Results have not always gone our way recently, and there has been a fair bit of travel, but the performances at home before the run of away fixtures showed all the signs of a side that is more than competitive.
City dominated Exeter, City outplayed Stevenage, and once the squad gets back into the home rhythm, there is every reason to believe that the Imps can put together another strong showing.
Also, Doncaster are in a spiral right now. They have not won a league game since 8 September, and while no match in League One is simple, there is a sense that this is an opportunity for City to lay down a marker again. Yes, there are absentees. Ivan Varfolomeev and Dexter Lembikisa are away. House, Hackett, Hamer and Moylan are injured or returning. That is a fair list. Yet for all that, the spine is intact, and the side almost picks itself in several key areas.
Below is the predicted XI, keeping closely to the discussion during the live session and reflecting how this week has shaped up.
Goalkeeper and Defence
Credit Graham Burrell
George Wickens starts in goal. There is very little debate there, even with Jeacock performing well in midweek. You only rest a keeper if form collapses, and that is not the case. Wickens made one misjudgement at Rotherham; one goal was through a crowd, and another he had no chance with. He remains the number one, and stability is vital in a period when other positions have been shuffled.
At right back, Tendayi Darikwa continues. He has been one of the quieter success stories this season, reliable in and out of possession, consistent across the pitch, and bringing leadership and calm to big moments. His influence can be overlooked given the form of McGrandles and Bradley, yet he has been crucial to the balance of the side.
At left back, Adam Reach is the pick again. We need width, we need early attacking intent at home, and Reach has delivered both. His experience helps settle the side, and his ability to step high up the pitch encourages movement from the forwards. Ryley Towler is an option, but the shape suits Reach far more.
Credit Graham Burrell
In the centre, Sonny Bradley partners Adam Jackson. Bradley has been a wall at the heart of the defence, an authoritative signing who has filled the Paudie O’Connor void with minimal fuss. Jackson is my pick because Tom Hamer is likely to miss out, which is a shame because Hamer’s long throw is a real weapon, yet Jackson is a trusted and seasoned League One defender who rarely lets the team down.
Midfield and Attack
The double pivot contains no surprises. Conor McGrandles and Tom Bayliss retain their places. McGrandles has been consistently excellent, setting the tempo of games and controlling the midfield. Bayliss receives criticism at times, usually because his work is compared directly to McGrandles, yet the pair complement each other well and give City both composure and vertical thrust. Bayliss carries the ball, he links passages together, and his dead ball delivery remains strong.
Ahead of them, the three attacking roles bring a little debate, although circumstances narrow the field. On the right, Rob Street gets the nod. While he is a natural striker, he has been effective from the flank, offering direct running and aggression. There is also the Doncaster factor, because forwards frequently find a way of scoring against former clubs, and this feels like an afternoon where Street could force something.
Credit Graham Burrell
In the central role, Freddie Draper starts. Options are limited with House, Moylan and Hackett all unavailable, but Fred needs a performance and this game gives him the stage to find one. His physicality and drive suit the ten role, and if he can contribute a goal or assist, it changes the complexion of his season.
On the left, Erik Ring keeps his place and rightly so. He has arrived with purpose, bringing end product, confidence and a willingness to commit defenders. With a goal and an assist in three games, his influence is already tangible, and this fixture presents a perfect chance for him to continue that momentum.
That leaves the number nine role, which goes to James Collins. Six goals already, sharp movement, and a natural instinct inside the area. Doncaster are likely to sit deep, so pace is less important than know-how. Collins knows where the loose balls fall, he holds his positions intelligently, and he gives City their most reliable scoring threat from close range.
The XI in Full
Wickens
Darikwa, Jackson, Bradley, Reach
McGrandles, Bayliss
Street, Onyedinma, Ring
Collins
Credit Graham Burrell
Final Thoughts
It is a far cry from years where City went into games with only one fit forward or midfielders forced into makeshift strike roles. This squad has depth even during an injury spell, and there are genuine options off the bench if the game needs changing. A result here would settle nerves, lift the mood again and reinforce the feeling that City are still trending upward despite a choppy few weeks on the road.
The Imps have a chance to strike early, control the game and rediscover the sharpness that has been evident at home all season. If they do that, there is every chance of heading into the international break with spirits lifted and momentum regained.
Up the Imps.
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