HUGE CLASH AWAITS AT LINCOLN

ccfcinsider
Dec 19, 2025
3 min read

Cardiff City are back on the road as they travel to LNER Stadium to face Michael Skubala's Lincoln City.

Cardiff City Head Coach Brian Barry-Murphy.

The Opposition:

Lincoln had a strong start to the 24/25 season and were in the play-off mix for the first half of the season. The Imps eventually fell away due to inconsistency, finishing 11th place.

Michaael Skubala was tasked with replacing several key players leaving such as Paudie O'Connor, Sean Roughan, Jovon Makama and Ethan Erhahon. Lincoln recruited Adam Reach from Wycombe Wanderers, Oscar Thorn from Colchester United, Ivan Varfolomeev from Slovan Liberec, Sonny Bradley from Derby County, Ryley Towler from Portsmouth, Justin Obikwu from Coventry City, Finley Barbrook from Ipswich Town, Dexter Lembikisa from Wolves and Francis Okoronkwo from Everton.

Skubala focuses on proactive, possession-based football with an emphasis on building from the back and creating overloads in central areas. His teams are well-structured out of possession, using coordinated pressing and compact spacing to quickly regain control.

The Bluebirds:

City come into this one on the back of a 3-1 defeat in the Carabao Cup Quarter Finals against Chelsea. Alejandro Garnacho gave The Blues the lead, before a David Turnbull equaliser gave Cardiff hope fifteen minutes from time, however goals from Pedro Neto and another from Garnacho was enough to seal City's fate in the Carabao Cup.

Barry-Murphy’s side could hurt Lincoln by pressing even higher and faster, disrupting the build-up before possession is settled. With the ball, City must move it quickly and vertically to exploit spaces left by Skubala’s structured shape.

Opposition Player to Watch:

Adam Reach has been exceptional since his summer move to Lincoln. The 32 year-old is a versatile, hard-working left-sided player known for his powerful crossing, long-range shooting, and ability to play both full-back and winger.

Reach began his career with Middlesbrough. After loan moves to Darlington, Shrewsbury Town, Bradford City and Preston North End, Reach completed a permanent move to Sheffield Wednesday in 2016. After five years with The Owls, Reach joined West Brom. After the expiration of his Baggies contract, the defender joined Wycombe for six months, before joining Lincoln City in the summer. Reach has contributed with a goal and three assists so far this season.

Last Meeting:

Lincoln City 2-0 Cardiff City (2001)

City were beaten 2-0 the last time these two sides met. This fixture was played in Division 3 (League Two).

A quick second half double from Paul Smith and Tony Battersby was enough to seal the victory for Lincoln, who would go onto finish 18th, Cardiff however went onto finish second and seal promotion to the third tier.

Team News:

Cardiff City - Rubin Colwill, Gabriel Osho, Ollie Tanner and Eli King remain out injured for The Bluebirds.

Lincoln City - Oscar Thorn and Finley Barbrook are both expected to miss the game with ankle injuries. Adam Jackson remains out with a hernia issue, while ex-City forward James Collins has been ruled out for the season with a knee injury which is a significant blow for the Imps.

Preferred XI:

GK - Nathan Trott

RB - Ronan Kpakio

RCB - Will Fish

LCB - Calum Chambers

LB - Joel Bagan

CDM - Ryan Wintle

CM - David Turnbull

CAM - Omari Kellyman

RW - Cian Ashford

LW - Chris Willock

ST - Yousef Salech