Lincoln's direct deliveries and Birmingham's passing game put different demands on the two defences. The first clearance looks especially important because both teams have recently allowed another dangerous action after it. This should be a contest over deliveries, loose balls and the space left when midfielders move forward.
Coubiș can send Lincoln straight into the box, where Ladefoged occupies defenders and House and Jefferies attack the next ball. All three attackers played substantial minutes against Burnley, with goals coming from a long throw, a recycled corner and House's cross. That gives Lincoln a practical route against Birmingham's documented difficulties defending restarts.
Birmingham have their own way through. Iwata supplied Millar twice against QPR, and the visitors can add Bird, Roberts or Gray to change the attack. Lincoln conceded from wide service and an uncleared corner during Millwall's recovery, so their direct threat comes with work to do at the other end.
Paik remains unavailable and Priske is only a possible returning option; the attacking picture uses the players already contributing. Hamer's suspension has ended, adding a defensive choice for Lincoln, while Bradley's muscular problem is reported rather than officially confirmed. The argument rests on the retained delivery and receiving roles.
I expect Lincoln to seek early territory and Birmingham to work toward cleaner passing connections, with substitutions adding different threats after the interval. Each side has a route to answer the other and then create again. That's why I'm backing goals to keep coming in Lincoln against Birmingham.
