Lincoln City face Sunderland at Sincil Bank this weekend hoping to put their recent bad run behind them by getting something from the fixture.

It's a huge clash for the Imps who haven't met the Black Cats in league action since 1961. The two teams have only spent three years at the same level, but now meet on a level playing field for the first time in over half a century.

Appleton is only into his second week as Imps' boss and has already seen his side beaten twice; going down 2-1 in a brave battle away at Blackpool before losing 1-0 to Manchester United U21s.

It was a youthful side that faced United's academy players, with eight changes made to their regular starting XI. Jake Hesketh made his Imps debut, as did Max Melbourne, with senior professionals such as Joe Morrell, Jason Shackell and Tyler Walker rested ahead of the weekend.

That's left scope for Appleton to make a raft of changes this week, three of which we speculate on below.

Jake Hesketh / Harry Anderson

This change would possibly mean a reshuffle in the three players behind Tyler Walker in attack, but it's one that may have been prompted by Hesketh's wonderful outing against Man Utd.

The Southampton loanee was excellent in his 60 minutes as he battled back from injury and he can play behind Walker, meaning Jack Payne would possibly shift to the right, replacing Anderson.

Anderson started against Blackpool, but also against Man Utd and that could be an indication of a change.

Jorge Grant / Bruno Andrade

Lincoln's left hand side is stacked with quality and Appleton has a huge decision to make. Andrade has been starting with Grant being injured, but the former Forest man got the nod against Manchester United.

He was excellent, creating chances as well as spurning a few, but he's surely edged ahead of Andrade in terms of creative input.

Who the new manager goes with is going to be fascinating.

Aaron Lewis / Neal Eardley

Eardley has been nicknamed the Postman by the Lincoln media guys because he always delivers, but in Aaron Lewis they have an energetic young upstart eager to impress.

He was outstanding against Everton in the EFL Cup under the previous manager and he impressed again in midweek.

His energy and driving runs might just give the current incumbent of the manager's role a lot to ponder ahead of picking his team.

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