Lincoln City could be on the cusp of something very special this season.

After finishing 16th last term few would have imagined that the club would be in the mix to secure promotion to the Championship this time around.

The Imps have already secured a spot in the top six and despite having just one match remaining the focus is now on preparing for the play-offs to ensure that they're ready for it.

A 3-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening was far from ideal, and with a clash with AFC Wimbledon awaiting them Michael Appleton has some decisions to make.

Here's some of the dilemmas that he faces.

Solving their leaky defence

While a spot in the play-offs is now confirmed, things haven't been going exactly to plan at the back.

Lincoln City have conceded six goals in their last two matches - something which will surely be a worry as the play-offs loom.

While those matches were against Peterborough and Charlton Athletic, it's certainly an area that Michael Appleton will want to address.

Resting players

With some very important games coming up it means that Michael Appleton has to be wary with his players.

Stars such as Jorge Grant, Anthony Scully and Brennan Johnson have been integral for Lincoln City so far this term and will need to be on top form if the club are to thrive in the play-offs.

With that in mind, Appleton may look to rest them against AFC Wimbledon.

Experimenting with team

Michael Appleton will have a good idea of what his best team is, but there's still time for others to impress.

Playing in the play-offs is prestigious for any player and so the clash with AFC Wimbledon could be an opportunity for some to force their way into the reckoning for such important matches.

Whether Appleton will take that approach, however, remains to be seen.