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On the face of it, this weekend's game at Sincil Bank is one that Sunderland should be winning.

The Imps are in freefall, adjusting to life under a new manager and with just a single win in their last 11 matches. They've been unable to turn good performances into points and have lost narrow encounters with Blackpool, Man Utd Under 21s and Bristol Rovers in recent weeks.

When they do turn in a bad performance, they do it in style. They lost 3-1 to Wycombe in a game where many of the players looked distracted, then found themselves hammered 6-0 at home by Oxford United. That was their joint heaviest home defeat ever, an afternoon few will forget. It was also their last league match at Sincil Bank.

The fear is that Sunderland, with their embarrassment of riches, numerous options and good form, will come and hammered the Lincoln side low on confidence and still finding their feet. After one big defeat there's always a worry of a repeat; losing 6-0 would have been unheard of under their previous manager and they'll be desperate to ensure it doesn't happen again.

There's no suggestion it will; Sunderland seem content to get a slender lead and defend it these days, resulting in narrow victories despite the obvious quality in their squad. Jack Ross is often accused of playing bland football lacking adventure, as seen in the recent draw with Bolton.

Lincoln, despite the form and negativity around their run, are still playing good football. Their left hand side is potent with wing back Harry Toffolo linking with attackers Bruno Andrade and Jorge Grant equally as well. This week loanee Jake Hesketh replaced Jack Payne and he too settled into their slick passing game with ease.

It would be foolish for the Black Cats to underestimate the Imps, no matter how bad their current run looks. Conor McLaughlin isn't the most accomplished of right backs and if they press forward looking for goals themselves, it could lead to the sort of gaps Lincoln love to exploit.

The former Millwall man makes around four interceptions per game and three clearances (courtesy Wyscout), not the best figures for a promotion-chasing defence.

This is a side that scored twice against a strong Everton side in the EFL Cup, who have beaten Southend 4-0 at home and who created more than 20 shots on goal against MK Dons. Lincoln can attack and if they finally find their shooting boots, they could well spring a surprise this weekend, especially if those flair players can get at McLaughlin.

On the other hand, the Imps are susceptible to an early goal, so will likely keep it tight for the first thirty minutes before pushing on the visitors.

If they do get to the half-hour mark at 0-0, there's every chance that Jack Ross will feel intense pressure from the big travelling support as the minutes tick away.

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