Oxford United will be looking to go three games unbeaten when the U’s travel to managerless Lincoln City this weekend.
Karl Robinson’s side eased past Tranmere Rovers last Saturday but came unstuck against a resilient Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday night as the Trotters picked up just their second point of the season.
Despite scoring three in the win over Tranmere, finding the back of the net has been a problem for Robinson, with two of those goals coming from the spot.
The U’s drew a blank in Bolton as both sides played out a goalless draw and, although Oxford have now kept consecutive clean sheets for the first time in the league this season, they need to improve at the other end.
Matty Taylor started that game but has struggled with opportunities to convert. Jamie Mackie has only found the net once this season, with the majority of goals coming from midfield.
The Imps made an impressive start to their League One campaign, picking up three wins from their opening three games and overcoming Huddersfield Town in the Carabao Cup.
But since then, Lincoln have won just once from six games and were knocked out of the cup at Everton.
It’s likely Robinson will field the same side that drew at Bolton, but Elliott Moore and Mackie could return from their injuries.
For Lincoln, John Akinde has netted twice, while Tylor Walker has found the net on five occasions. Former Oxford loanee, Jack Payne, has been an integral part of the midfield, while summer target and Banbury-born Jorge Grant has netted once from seven appearances.
The Imps have lost just once at Sincil Bank this season, conceding just once, while Oxford are still winless on their travels.
Predicted line-up: Simon Eastwood, Josh Ruffels, John Mousinho, Rob Dickie, Chris Cadden, Cameron Brannagan, Alex Rodriguez Gorrin, Tariqe Fosu, Ben Woodburn, James Henry, Matty Taylor.
Prediction: Lincoln City 1-1 Oxford United
