Imps v Silkmen Preview

Moss Rose

The Imps will be without the services of forward Lennel John-Lewis tonight after he came off with a shoulder injury in the 2-1 win over Shrewsbury. Also missing will be Gary Croft, out of action since Boxing Day, and Lee Frecklington is rated as 50/50 at best to make the side after several weeks out.

Lennel John-Lewis has impressed in recent weeks after bursting onto the scene with a goal against Stockport late last year. Lewis waited patiently following his debut in 2006 in the FA Cup tie with Port Vale, and the powerful wide man will be sorely missed tonight. However in 'The Eiffel Power' Dany N'Guesson The Imps have a like for like replacement.

Crofts absence will be adequately covered by Lee Ridley following the extension to his loan deal that see's him remain an Imp until the end of the season.

Lee Frecklingtons creativity will however be missed once again, with the IMps looking blunt in recent outings against both Dagenham and Mansfield. Jamie Hand will more than likely continue in his role alongside Scott Kerr, and the ex Chester man will be looking to prove a point. Hand has come in for a lot of stick from sections of the home faithful for his 'apparent' lack of passing ability. However the Opta stats proved that Hand made more succesful passes during the recent win over Dagenham than any other player, a fact he'll be looking to underline tonight.

Danny Hone should keep his place after an impressive display at The New Meadow, some credit of which must go to Imps boss Peter Jackson. Jacko rested Danny Hone after the youngsters solid performances before Christmas, and took away the risk of the player losing his confidence or experiencing burnout. On Saturday Hone looked as fresh as a daisy and looked every inch an experienced first team regular.

Macclesfield will feature two ex Imps tonight

Featuring for the Silkmen will be two ex Imps, Martin Gritton and Francis Green. Both scored several goals for City in their time in an Imps shirt, with Francis Green in particular becoming a fans favourite for a short while with his all action displays.

The Silkmen have the second worst home record in League Two behind Dagenham and Redbridge so the Imps will fancy their chances of adding to their points tally. The Silkmen are in the same situation as City having played 29 games and ammassing 28 points. This will be the first meeting between the sides this season with the second coming in just ten days time at Sincil Bank, and two wins would see the Imps begin to pull away from the dreaded drop zone. However a packed February for the Imps also sees games against Rochdale (H) and Accrington (A) before the visit of Macclesfield.