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Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw's first competitive game in charge of Lincoln City is a trip to Pride Park to face Derby County in the Carabao Cup first round on Saturday afternoon.
The co-managers have taken over from Michael Skubala, who left for Bristol City despite gaining Lincoln promotion from League One last season.
This will also be Derby's first competitive outing of the new campaign, with John Eustace determined to build on a strong season where they finished just outside the Championship play-offs.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions.
Derby County vs. Lincoln City key stats
- Derby have won six of their last seven competitive home games (L1).
- Lincoln have lost three of their last four pre-season friendlies (W1).
- Derby are unbeaten in the previous four H2Hs (W2, D2).
Derby County vs. Lincoln City preview: Rams to progress to round two?
Derby vs Lincoln — Tale of the Tape
| Derby | vs | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
| 8th (Championship) | Position | 1st (League One) |
| 69 | Points | 103 |
| 67 | Goals For | 89 |
| 59 | Goals Against | 41 |
| 12 | Clean Sheets | 19 |
| 11th | Home / Away Rank | 1st |
Having finished just two places and four points outside of the play-offs, Derby will be determined to bridge that gap in the new season.
Eustace has been backed with the permanent signing of Bobby Clark and the return of Sammy Szmodics on loan, while Filip Bilbjia has also been signed as an exciting new winger.
However, their impressive 2025/26 campaign has not translated into pre-season, with just two wins from their six friendlies (D1, L3).
Nonetheless, the Rams will still be favourites to progress here on home soil, and could choose to field a strong XI with their opening Championship fixture still over a week away.
Lincoln could do the same as this will be the first time they can test themselves against fellow Championship opposition in a competitive match since earning promotion.
The Imps did so in style, as they were crowned League One champions with a huge 103 points.
Their standout campaign did come at a cost though with the loss of manager Skubala, but the likes of Joe Gauci, Andrei Coubis and former Derby player Callum Elder have been signed to help bolster the squad.
Lincoln have had a mixed pre-season with three wins and three defeats, but Derby at Pride Park will undoubtedly be their toughest test since being promoted.
Derby County vs. Lincoln City form guide & betting tips
| Derby | vs | Lincoln |
|---|---|---|
LLWLD |
Form | LWLWL |
| 6 | Goals For | 5 |
| 8 | Goals Against | 10 |
N/A |
Carabao Cup | N/A |
Whispers predicts: Derby County 2-0 Lincoln City
Derby are favourites for victory with bookies, and given their home advantage and relative strength of their squad, we think Derby to win at 21/20 (2.05) offers decent value.
Under 2.5 goals at 11/10 (2.10) is our next pick, with both teams only scoring 11 goals combined in their last five games each.
Our final bet is BTTS – No at 5/4 (2.25), as Lincoln drew blanks in two of their three pre-season defeats.
Overall, we are predicting a 2-0 Derby win, which is available at 10/1 (11.00).
> Derby to win at 21/20 (2.05) | Likelihood: Probable
> Under 2.5 goals at 11/10 (2.10) | Likelihood: Possible
> BTTS – No at 5/4 (2.25) | Likelihood: Possible