Some will argue that Lincoln City V Chesterfield is not a true Derby, that the high flying Spireites are but a one man team – Lesterfield - that we traditionally do well against, albeit with good support on both sides. The battle of the godly then perhaps, as the one with the Crooked Spire comes to topple the Imps in the shadow of our own eighth wonder of the world.
But oh how things have changed, with huge investment for the Spireites on and off the pitch as they traded the antiquated ambiance and allure of Saltergate for a new coliseum that is proving to be a veritable theatre where they are currently living the dream.
Despite the league table The Mighty Imps win this one hands down historically, having won 28, drawn 12 and lost 13 of the 53 games. Last season we edged them 2-1 with a header from Hughton on 25 then a quick fire second on 29 from Delboy with Boden replying on 83. This one should have Uncle Bob and Chris rubbing their hands – the Spireites brought nearly 1200 with even more said to be travelling this year. We must be at our loudest oh Passionista Peers!
The Spireites, despite being top, are on a winless sequence of 5 games, their longest of the season after failing to beat Bradford City H 2-2 , at Stockport County 1-1, Aldershot Town H 2-2, Burton Albion A 0-1 and, Bury A 1-1 last week. They are also suffering from injuries and suspension to their forwards forcing changes up front. Lester and Talbot face fitness tests and Smalley is suspending necessitating a midfielder up front with Bowery and Boden the favourites to start.
Another Brucie bonus is that Dwayne Mathis - a defensive stalwart this season – is set to miss out again with a calf strain. The Imps meanwhile have three returning defenders, an ever ripening Ali and a goal machine that chimes with the regularity of a metronome.
The intended Teams & schemes then………………
Lincoln City 4-4-2
Carson
Kelly Hone Watts Hunt
Howell O’Keefe Fuseini McCallum
Grimes Facey
Chesterfield 4-4-2
Lee
Holden Ford Vidal Robertson
Allott Whittaker Morris Djilali
Davies Bowery
For a detailed analysis of the head-to-head between the two sides, click here
| Recent encounters between the teams: | |||||
| 2010/2011 | Sat 04 Sep | Chesterfield | 2 - 1 | Lincoln City | LGE2 |
| 2009/2010 | Sat 06 Feb | Chesterfield | 2 - 1 | Lincoln City | LGE2 |
| 2009/2010 | Sat 26 Dec | Lincoln City | 2-1 | Chesterfield | LGE2 |
| 2008/2009 | Tue 07 Apr | Chesterfield | 1 - 1 | Lincoln City | LGE2 |
| 2008/2009 | Sat 18 Oct | Lincoln City | 3 - 1 | Chesterfield | LGE2 |
| 2007/2008 | Fri 07 Mar | Chesterfield | 4 - 1 | Lincoln City | LGE2 |
| 2007/2008 | Tue 06 Nov | Lincoln City | 2 - 4 | Chesterfield | LGE2 |
Recent respective form guides
The Imps home form, Shrewsbury apart, is beginning to look more positive in the flesh than it is on paper over 2011, winning just 2 of the last six, and losing the other 4. We have actually won two in three despite the poor goal difference however we try to ‘spin it.
The Spireites as well as being winless in five, have a travel sickness to match that injury list. Two wins and 3 draws from the last six trips with 7 goals for and 5 against, suggest we could get at least a point today.
For a detailed analysis of team form guides throughout the leagues, click here
| Current form guides: | P | W | D | L | F | A | P |
| Lincoln City | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 9 | 8 | 13 |
| Chesterfield | 6 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 8 | 7 | 7 |
FootyMad's prediction ...
Neil 2-1 to the Mighty Imps
Vic Erzantartz - head says a draw heart says a nother 1-0 to the mighty Imps with Carson & Co clinging onto a Grimes winner.
Ivan Impgrass: Away win 2-3 to Chesterfield in a five goal thriller.
| Sequence statistics: | |
| Lincoln City | 11 games since last home draw. |
| Chesterfield | Not won in previous 3 away matches. No win in the 5 most recent games. |