Bolton Wanderers and Lincoln City square off on Sunday searching for the victory that will maintain their respective positions in the top 10 of the League One table.
These two sides sit level on points in 10th and ninth respectively, three points adrift of the playoffs.
Match preview
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With Bolton sitting in and around the playoff spots, Ian Evatt may wonder why a section of the club's fans have been calling for a change in the dugout.
Up until December 3, the Trotters had been on a run of eight wins and two draws in 12 matches, yet they have since failed to prevail in any of their last three league fixtures.
Furthermore, that run can be extended to two victories from seven outings, the most recent of three defeats coming at home to Barnsley on Boxing Day.
Bolton now have just 17 points from their 11 home league matches, with that ultimately proving pivotal right now as they sit five points behind fifth position.
Fellow playoff contenders Mansfield Town and Exeter City follow this contest, with Evatt aware he can ill-afford failing to post more defeats during this period.
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Lincoln are another team that has considerably lost their way with just one win coming from their last nine outings in the third tier.
Michael Skubala would have hoped that defeating Reading on December 21 would have kick-started their bid for promotion, particularly when facing lowly Shrewsbury Town on Boxing Day.
Instead, the Imps went down by a 1-0 scoreline, extending their winless away run in League One to eight matches.
Having played two games more than their upcoming opponents, it feels imperative that Lincoln at least avoid defeat if they wish to remain in active contention for the top six.
Team News
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Despite defeat to Barnsley, Evatt may not necessarily make changes to his Bolton side given that they were leading before any substitutions were made.
If alterations are preferred, Josh Dacres-Cogley and Dion Charles are most likely to be provided with recalls, with the former able to be deployed in one of several roles.
Meanwhile, Skubala could freshen up his Lincoln side with regulars such as Conor McGrandles and Ben House potentially seeing their places come at risk.
The likes of Tom Bayliss and Jack Moylan are pushing for opportunities, as his forward Rob Street who has proven his fitness across a number of substitute appearances after injury.
Bolton Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Baxter; Jones, Santos, Forrester; Dacres-Cogley, Arfield, Thomason, Schon; Lolos; Collins, Charles
Lincoln City possible starting lineup:
Wickens; Jefferies, Darikwa, O'Connor, Roughlan; Erhahon, Bayliss; Makama, Moylan, Hackett; Cadamarteri
We say: Bolton Wanderers 1-1 Lincoln City
With both of these teams having lost on Boxing Day, we anticipating somewhat of a low-quality affair with each club knowing the importance of avoiding defeat. With that in mind, this could prove to be a low-scoring stalemate.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
