The newcomers host one of the league favourites: Lincoln City vs Southampton prediction
The fifth-round Championship match between Lincoln City and Southampton will take place on 5 September at the LNER Stadium. The hosts have collected four points from four rounds and are gradually adapting after returning to the second tier, while the visitors remain among the main contenders for promotion.
Lincoln City: solid defence helping them pick up points
Chris Cohen's side are unbeaten in three consecutive competitive matches and drew 0-0 with Blackburn in the previous round. Goalkeeper George Wickens has played an important role at the start of the season, averaging 4.5 saves per match — the best figure in the league.
Lincoln have also kept clean sheets in two consecutive matches, against Bolton and Blackburn. They will now try to record a third straight shutout for the first time since March.
Southampton: strong at home, but still without an away win
Tonda Eckert's side have looked very convincing at home, where they thrashed Stoke and Millwall by an aggregate score of 8-2. However, Southampton are yet to win either of their two away Championship matches.
In the previous round, the Saints drew 1-1 with Birmingham despite opening the scoring through Keven Schlotterbeck. The team created enough chances but failed to convert them, with Kyle Larin among those guilty of missed opportunities.
Match facts and head-to-head record
- Lincoln are unbeaten in three consecutive competitive matches.
- The hosts have kept clean sheets in their last two matches.
- Southampton have lost only two of their 17 competitive matches against Lincoln.
The visitors' superior quality should tell: Lincoln City vs Southampton prediction
Lincoln are well organised without the ball and are capable of frustrating a stronger opponent for long periods at home. However, Southampton have significantly more attacking resources and create plenty of chances even when they are not at their best.
If the visitors improve their finishing compared with the Birmingham match, their superior quality should make the difference. That said, the hosts are certainly capable of taking advantage of one of their opportunities.
