Lincoln City joint-manager Tom Shaw has outlined the challenge facing his side as they prepare for a Carabao Cup third-round tie at Premier League Bournemouth. The Imps travel to the Vitality Stadium this week for their first appearance at this stage of the competition in their current Championship campaign.
Shaw, who shares managerial duties with Chris Cohen, acknowledged the size of the task against a top-flight opponent. He told Vavel, "We want to go there and be a real problem for a really good football team and a club we have got amazing respect for the journey they have had." The 37-year-old former England C international stressed the need for focus, adding, "I think looking ahead to the game, we have got priorities to go through."
What is Lincoln City's current form?
Lincoln City head into the cup clash on the back of a solid start to their first Championship season since 1961. They are currently 18th in the table with five points from five games, having won one, drawn two and lost two. Their recent form reads DDWLL, and they have scored four goals while conceding six, giving them a -2 goal difference. They sit six points behind early leaders Swansea City.
The Imps are unbeaten in their last three league outings, however, having taken five points from those games. They secured a creditable draw against Southampton at the weekend under the guidance of Cohen and Shaw. Defensively, they have been tight, conceding just one goal across those three matches.
How did Lincoln City reach this stage?
Lincoln City's path to the third round involved navigating past two fellow Championship sides. They first overcame Derby County before defeating Blackpool to set up the trip to the south coast. This cup run offers a different challenge from their league campaign, where the immediate focus is on consolidation.
Their next Championship fixture is an away trip to face Preston North End, who are currently 23rd, on September 12th. Fans can track the team's progress in the league on our standings page and view the full fixtures schedule.
What kind of opponent are Bournemouth?
Bournemouth represent formidable opposition. Under previous manager Andoni Iraola, they enjoyed an 18-game unbeaten run last season and qualified for European competition for the first time in their history. Iraola's success earned him a summer move to Liverpool, with Marco Rose now in charge at the Vitality Stadium.
The Cherries have lost only twice in competitive matches across the entire calendar year. They began their Premier League campaign with a defeat to Manchester City but have since drawn with both Newcastle United and Everton. Their schedule is congested, with a league match against Brentford this week preceding a UEFA Europa League trip to face Real Sociedad.
What does this cup tie mean for Lincoln City?
For Lincoln City, the match is a free hit against elite opposition and a chance to test themselves. The primary objective for the season remains securing their Championship status, but a positive performance on the big stage could provide a significant confidence boost. The joint-managers will likely use the game to assess squad depth and give minutes to players pushing for a starting role in the league.
The club's defensive resilience in recent weeks will be vital against a Bournemouth attack accustomed to facing the best. Shaw and Cohen have quickly instilled organisation, a trait that will be essential if they are to cause an upset. The full squad list available for selection can be seen on our squad page.
Lincoln City's attention will quickly return to league matters after the cup tie, with that away game against Preston North End scheduled for September 12th.
