Our prediction: 24th
Likely finish: 20th–24th
Transfer window so far: 7/10
Biggest question
Do Lincoln have enough quality and squad depth to survive their first season back in the Championship?
Why I’m putting Lincoln bottom
Lincoln deserve enormous credit for earning promotion. The club has built a clear identity, a united squad, and a strong culture that has brought them back to the Championship.
However, the step up from League One is huge.
Callum Elder and Andrei Coubiș have arrived. Elder brings valuable Championship experience, while Coubiș became the club’s record signing for around £2.6 million. That demonstrates Lincoln’s willingness to invest in establishing themselves at this level.
At the same time, Erik Ring and MJ Kamson-Kamara have departed, and the squad still lacks the depth required to cope with a demanding 46-game Championship campaign.
The new signings are encouraging, but at this stage they are not enough to lift Lincoln above the strongest sides expected to be battling at the bottom.
AdvertisementStrengths
Lincoln should be one of the best-organised teams in the division. They work tirelessly without the ball, remain disciplined defensively, and are difficult to break down.
They also have very little pressure on their shoulders. While bigger clubs are expected to challenge near the top, Lincoln can play with freedom and embrace their underdog status.
The LNER Stadium could become a major asset. If they can turn it into a difficult place for visiting teams, they may collect more home points than many expect.
Coubiș could also emerge as one of the Championship’s most exciting young centre-backs. If he adapts quickly to the pace of the league, he has the ability to become a key player straight away.
Weaknesses
Squad depth remains the biggest concern.
The Championship is a league that tests an entire squad, not just the strongest starting XI. At present, Lincoln lack enough players who can step in without a noticeable drop in quality.
They also lack a proven Championship goalscorer. There is a significant difference between scoring consistently in League One and facing stronger defences every single week.
The pace of the division will also be a challenge. Mistakes that went unpunished in League One often end up in the back of the net in the Championship.
I believe the toughest period will come between November and February, when fixtures pile up, injuries begin to take their toll, and the lack of depth is truly exposed.
Key player
Ben House
Lincoln need House to step up and reach double figures for goals. He must hold the ball up effectively, win his physical battles, and become more clinical in front of goal.
One to watch
Andrei Coubiș
The biggest investment in the club’s history. He has the potential to become one of the Championship’s most exciting young central defenders and could eventually earn Lincoln a substantial transfer profit.
Best signing
Andrei Coubiș
Lincoln have rarely spent this much money on a single player. If he develops as the club hopes, this could prove to be one of their most important signings in many years.
What they need
At least three more additions:
- An experienced central midfielder.
- A proven goalscorer.
- A versatile defender to improve squad depth.
Verdict
Lincoln will surprise a few teams this season. They will probably beat at least one of the promotion contenders at home and show exactly why they deserved to come up.
That said, I still believe the lack of Championship-quality depth will ultimately catch up with them over the course of the campaign, and I expect them to finish bottom of the table.