Derby welcome Lincoln City to the Pride Park Stadium on Thursday evening, where the hosts will look to apply pressure on the rest of the teams in the promotion spots. Last season, the Imps picked up four points against the Rams, with this exact fixture ending 1-1.
Derby County
Paul Warne’s side have been impressive so far this season, and after 20 games, Derby sit in sixth place with 37 points, just four behind Peterborough in second while having a game in hand. The Rams have been strong at both ends of the field, scoring 35 and conceding just 17, the second-best defence in League One.
Last time out, they extended their unbeaten run in the league to six games as they drew 1-1 at home to Wycombe. The tie was cagey, and an 83rd-minute Tom Barkhuizen goal looked to claim all three points, but the visitors converted from the spot in the 98th minute.
Lincoln City
Lincoln have also been excellent this season, and they sit in ninth place after 22 matches. Michael Skubala’s side has collected 32 points, with most of those earned through resolute defending. The Imps have only conceded 21 goals this season, making them have the joint fourth-best defence in the league.
Their biggest issue has been the attack, however, with Lincoln’s recent 1-1 draw at home to Reading serving as evidence. The visitors dominated the tie, with the hosts putting on a rather uninspiring display after taking the lead in five minutes through an own goal. To sum it up, the Imps had four shots all game and none on target.
Verdict?
Two of the best defences go head-to-head so we should be in for a tight game, with fine margins deciding the outcome. Derby have only won five of their ten home games this season, whereas Lincoln have only lost four of their 12 away games.
The final prediction is Derby County 1-0 Lincoln City.
