Third placed Lincoln City will be looking to record a first win in five home games when they entertain Crewe Alexandra in Sky Bet League One on Saturday (kick off 15:00 BST).

The Imps have suffered a dip in form in recent weeks after a number of key players were ruled out through injury.

Crewe, meanwhile, are unbeaten in three and will be buoyed by Saturday's late equaliser at Blackpool.

  • Team news 

Leading goalscorer Jorge Grant is the latest player to join the Imps' treatment room, along with captain Liam Bridcutt, defender Joe Walsh and winger Harry Anderson. All four are expected to be out for four to six weeks.

Striker Callum Morton, however, made a goalscoring return from the bench on Tuesday in his first appearance since September. 

Crewe boss David Artell will run the rule over Donervon Daniels, who limped off in the first half in Tuesday's draw at Bloomfield Road. 

Callum Ainsley could feature after coming through 65 minutes of an under-23s match on Wednesday unscathhed. He had been out with a hamstring injury since November. 

Luke Offord is on the road to recovery from his own hamstring injury, but remains some way off coming back into the fold. Midfielder Oli Finney, meanwhile, won't play again this season after breaking his leg last month.

  • Ones to watch

Lincoln's Conor McGrandles has been in great form since returning to the side in January. The midfielder has scored three times in 10 appearances in that time, and perhaps doesn't get the plaudits he deserves for his work all over the pitch.

Crewe youngster Rio Adebisi will be looking to seize his opportunity after coming on to replace the injured Daniels in mid-week. Adebisi looked assured defensively and provided the assist for fellow substitute Stephen Walker's equaliser.

  • Predicted lineups

Lincoln City:

Palmer; Poole, Jackson, Montsma, Edun; Scully, Sanders, McGrandles; Johnson, Hopper, Rogers.

Crewe Alexandra:

Richards; Adebisi, Wood, Beckles, Pickering; Evans, Lowery, Wintle, Kirk; Porter, Mandron.

  • View from both sides

Lincoln manager Michael Appleton spoke to the media ahead of the game and emphasised the importance of stopping his side's opponents from playing, and what could happen if they're unsuccessful, he said:

“They’re a really good side if you allow them to play. If you’re brave enough to get round them and stop them playing, you give yourself a chance of winning it.

“We’ve been really good in the performances against them so far. If we can reproduce that, fantastic.

“If we don’t, and we’re slightly off it, they’ll give us a good seeing to.”

Crewe boss Artell told the club's web site that his side go to the LNER Stadium without any fear.

“It is another tough game in what has been a tough run of fixtures. It is Lincoln up next, then Doncaster and Burton who are in great form as well.

“We have respect for everyone but we don’t fear anyone. That is how we have to approach it. We have won there 4-1 before but we know how tough it is. Like I’ve said, anyone can beat anyone and we have to do everything we can to make sure we come out on top.”

  • Kick-off time and how to watch

The game kicks off at 15:00 BST on Saturday. The game is available on each club’s respective iFollow service, priced at £10 for UK viewers and £7 for international fans.

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