Our prediction for this League 1 match:
Bristol Rovers play host to Lincoln at their Memorial Stadium on day 10 of the new League One campaign. The Pirates have been slipping down the standings week by week, and seeing that they collected only two points in total from the previous five league fixtures, home win should not be considered. Midfielder Harry Anderson, who limped off with in a 2-0 loss to Ipswich Town, is unlikely to feature in Saturday’s clash.
The Imps, on the other hand, aim to build on a 2-0 win over Derby County. Lincoln did remarkably well to put an end to their three-game winless run, and given Bristol Rover’s poor form in the English third tier, we predict that the visitors are going to pick up all three points from the match. Midfielder Teddy Bishop should miss out with injury for the away side.
Highlighted Player (Glenn Whelan):
Probably one of the most underrated footballers in Premier League history, Glenn Whelan was born on 13 January 1982 in Dublin and he went on to enjoy a very successful career on club and international level.
Following spells with Manchester City, Bury and Sheffield Wednesday, the defensive midfielder found his peace at the Britannia Stadium, making over 250 Premier League appearances for Stoke City and keeping his place in the side under both Tony Pulis and Mark Hughes. Predominantly focused on doing the dirty defensive work and helping out the back four, Whelan never quite made the headlines for his style of play or quality of his displays, but remained an important player for both club and country.
The midfielder has so far made over 70 appearances for the Republic of Ireland national team, wearing the captain’s armband on several occasions, and starting all three group games at the Euro 2012 finals, while helping The Green Army qualify for the Euro 2016 as well.
Highlighted Team (Lincoln):
Lincoln City are one of the oldest clubs competing in the League One as they were founded back in 1884. Lincoln City FC were established as an amateur association, but they turned professional in the 1891/1892 season.
Back then they played at John O’Gaunts stadium, but nowadays Sincil Bank is the club’s home ground. Sincil Bank was opened in 1895, holding up to 10,120 people. The club’s main colours are red, white and black, whilst the Imps wear green shirts and white shorts when playing on the road. Lincoln City and Mansfield Town are regarded as the club’s fiercest rivals, but the Limps had some sort of local rivalry with Peterborough United, Hull City and York City as well.
Albert Iremonger (42 years and 312 days) is the oldest footballer to have played for the club, whilst Shane Nicholson (16 years and 112 days) is the youngest one. Lincoln City recorded a thrilling 9-1 victory over then local rivals Sleaford in their first game.