'A blessing in disguise' – Lincoln City vs Portsmouth prediction: The72

25/04/2024 12:27

Lincoln City and Portsmouth meet in League One on Saturday afternoon, and the outcome will have a big impact on the play-off fight.

Lincoln City come into their final day clash with Portsmouth looking to hold onto a place in the League One play-off positions.

The Imps have embarked on a brilliant rise up the League One table and find themselves 6th coming into the final day. They’re a point behind an out-of-form Barnsley and level with Oxford United, while Blackpool are only one point off the U’s.

Michael Skubala’s side defeated Cheltenham Town last weekend, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Joe Taylor and Freddie Draper.

Portsmouth meanwhile have their fate already sealed.

After a remarkable campaign, John Mousinho’s side are heading back to the Championship as third-tier champions. Defeat to Wigan Athletic last time out means they can’t reach 100 points, but they’ll still be hopeful of ending on a high here.

Pompey have lost just five games all season and look well-equipped to find success in the second-tier.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

James Ray

“Lincoln City are up against the best side in League One when they need a win to guarantee their play-off spot. They can still finish in the top six with a draw, but they won’t be leaving it to chance.

“The fact that Portsmouth have already lifted the title could prove to be a blessing in disguise for the hosts though.

“It’s been an exhausting campaign for Mousinho’s Pompey and after being beaten by Wigan, perhaps their foot is off the gas now that promotion is sealed. You can’t exactly blame them for that, though Lincoln’s play-off rivals might not agree.

“With Lincoln still battling for everything and Portsmouth on the beach, I think the Imps will seal their play-off spot with a hard-fought 2-1 win.”

Lincoln City vs Portsmouth prediction: 2-1

Harry Mail

“Lincoln City just need to get their job done and hope other teams around them drop points.

“The Imps head into this one in decent form and have won their last two in a row against Oxford United and Cheltenham Town so will be in confident mood.

“Portsmouth will be looking to end their great season on a high. However, they have nothing really to play for now having already won the title.

“They were beaten last time out by Wigan Athletic at home and may well already be on the beach. For that reason, I think the hosts will get all three points here.”

Lincoln City vs Portsmouth prediction: 3-1

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