The big picture

Lincoln City come in 21st on the ladder with 15 points; Stoke City are 3rd on 29. Stoke City are the side higher up the table.

Lincoln City are 4–8–3 in EFL Championship 2026-27, averaging 1 goals for and 1.7 against.

Stoke City are 9–4–2 in EFL Championship 2026-27, averaging 1.6 goals for and 1.2 against.

Form

Lincoln City have won one of their last five and most recently lost to Queens Park Rangers 1–2.

Stoke City have won four of their last five and most recently beat Portsmouth 2–1.

Lincoln City have lost their last three.

Stoke City arrive on a 3-game winning streak.

Head to head

We have no previous meeting between these two on record, so this one is a genuine first look.

Players to watch

For Lincoln City, watch Mikkel Ladefoged (0.4 goals a game, 1 assist in 2026-27) and Freddie Draper (0.1 goals a game, 1 assist in 2026-27).

For Stoke City, watch Jack McGlynn (0.5 goals a game, 2 assists in 2026-27) and Ben Wilmot (0.2 goals a game in 2026-27).

At LNER Stadium

Lincoln City have won 1 of their last 7 at LNER Stadium.

What the numbers say

On form, ladder, Stoke City go in as clear favourites.