Lincoln City travel to Sunderland in the EFL Trophy semi-final tomorrow night, but Michael Appleton will be without a couple of first-team players.
The two sides will go head-to-head for a place in the final of the EFL Trophy. Lincoln City won the tournament under Danny Cowley in 2018, with Sunderland losing to Portsmouth in the final of the 2019 tournament.
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Now though, the two will vie for a place in the final where they’ll be facing one of Oxford United and Tranmere Rovers.
But Lincoln City will be without two first-team players in Regan Poole and Morgan Rogers. BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Rob Makepeace tweeted earlier today:
Imps team news:
Poole and Rogers cup tied.
Penalties won’t be practiced.— Rob Makepeace (@rob_makepeace) February 16, 2021
Both Poole and Morgan joined Lincoln City in last month’s transfer window and so they’re both cup tied for the EFL Trophy semi-final clash at Sunderland.
Both have proved keen acquisitions so far – Poole joined from MK Dons and has featured in the last three outings for the Imps, whilst Rogers joined on loan from Manchester City.
The 18-year-old striker has scored twice in seven League One outings for City and is quickly proving a hit with the fans, with his absence bound to cause some selection headaches for the Lincoln City coaching staff tonight.
Lincoln City haven’t got the best record v Sunderland – they’ve lost three of the last four meetings between the two, giving Lee Johnson his first win as league win as Sunderland manager after claiming a 4-0 win at Sincil Bank.
It’s bound to be an enthralling encounter at the Stadium of Light, and one that could hold some all-important capital for the eventual winner.