Lincoln and Rochdale will enter their game on Saturday in very different frames of mind.

Imps looking to down high-flying Dale

Lincoln and Rochdale will enter their game on Saturday in very different frames of mind. The Imps are currently looking nervously over their shoulder, with an eight-game winless run dropping them deep into the relegation mire. In contrast, Dale have claimed four wins in a row to clamber to the summit of the League Two standings.

Lincoln team news

Lincoln boss Chris Sutton could welcome back Paul Green this weekend. The defender is yet to feature this season due to a long-term hip injury, but after coming through 90 minutes in a reserve-team clash this week he could be handed a place in the squad. Striker Lennell John-Lewis was only deemed fit enough for a place on the bench in the Imps' goalless draw against Crewe last weekend, but after coming on as a late substitute he could be handed a starting role. On-loan midfielders Anthony Pulis and Sergio Torres are still struggling with ankle injuries and remain major doubts. Striker Paul Connor is still building up his fitness following three months out with a knee problem and is unlikely to feature.

Rochdale team news

Rochdale boss Keith Hill again has a number of injury concerns ahead of his high-flying side's trip to Sincil Bank. Skipper Gary Jones is still troubled by a hamstring strain but he is edging closer to full fitness and was an unused substitute in last weekend's 3-0 home win over Macclesfield. Forward Will Buckley remains sidelined due to a combination of thigh and ankle problems but should also come back into contention shortly. Winger Joe Thompson missed the win over Macclesfield but he is set to be passed fit to challenge for a starting berth. Goalkeepers Kenny Arthur and Matty Edwards remain sidelined with back and wrist injuries respectively so on-loan Manchester United stopper Tom Heaton will continue between the posts.