Preview: Sunderland vs. Lincoln City - prediction, team news, lineups

Lincoln City travel to Sunderland for the second leg of their League One playoff semi-final having established a 2-0 lead on aggregate.

Second-half goals from Tom Hopper and Brennan Johnson have left the Black Cats with it all to do during Saturday's reverse fixture at the Stadium of Light.

Match preview

Despite ending the regular season with one win in nine matches, Sunderland supporters would have still fancied their chances against an inconsistent Lincoln side on Wednesday evening.

However, the North-East outfit have been left facing a fourth successive year in the third tier after succumbing to defeat at Sincil Bank.

Lee Johnson has reason to feel hard done by with Sunderland having improved after the break, but they lacked the clinical touch of their opponents in the final third.

On some level, Johnson and his players can head into the fixture at the weekend with nothing to lose, although that will not be the opinion of a fanbase who are growing more frustrated by the year.

From Lincoln's perspective, it was the perfect occasion as they welcomed back fans to their home ground, ending a three-match run without success in the process.

Hopper and Brennan have been key men for the Imps throughout this season, the pair having now contributed 20 goals and nine assists between them.

As much credit must go to goalkeeper Joe Bursik, who completed a whirlwind 24 hours after his emergency transfer from Stoke City with a starring role between the sticks.

While Michael Appleton's side have now kept two clean sheets in a row, Sunderland will take encouragement from six goals being conceded during their most recent two away fixtures.

Lincoln also have mixed memories of the Stadium of Light this season, the first of two 1-1 draws ending with a penalty-shootout defeat in the EFL Trophy.

Sunderland League One form:

Lincoln City League One form:

Team News

Johnson will make at least one change to his Sunderland XI with Denver Hume having sustained a hamstring injury.

Callum McFadzean is in line to deputise for Hume unless the lack of full-backs results in a change of formation.

Tom Flanagan will be assessed after his return from injury, but the remainder of the team could stay the same.

Lincoln defender Adam Jackson has been ruled out of this contest after picking up a calf problem on Wednesday.

While Joe Walsh could return to the squad, Lewis Montsma is expected to feature in the middle of the backline.

First-choice goalkeeper Alex Palmer again misses out with a head injury sustained in training earlier this week.

Sunderland possible starting lineup:

Burge; O'Nien, Wright, Flanagan, McFadzean; Power, Scowen; Jones, Gooch, McGeady; Wyke

Lincoln City possible starting lineup:

Bursik; Poole, Montsma, Eyoma, Edun; Johnson, Bridcutt, Grant; Scully, Hopper, Rogers

We say: Sunderland 2-1 Lincoln City

The return of fans at the Stadium of Light can only help Sunderland's cause as they look to pull off an unlikely comeback. However, while we are predicting a home win on Saturday, we feel that Lincoln will net at the other end to see them through to the final.

Top tip

Our expert tipster partners at Sporita.com are predicting under 3.5 goals in this match. Click here to find out what else they are predicting for this game and for more of their tried-and-tested football tips.