By Nathan Jackson
August 15 2006

Lincoln City will face a good test as FA Cup and Charity Shield holders Liverpool come to Sincil Bank for a friendly match. Following on from Jack Hobbs joining the Anfield side from the Imps last summer, the Premiership side were obliged to play against the Imps at some point this year.

The game sold out several weeks ago but it remains to be seen if those fans have paid to see Liverpool reserves as there are many international games over this week. This means that players such as Steven Gerrard, Peter Crouch and Jamie Carragher are guaranteed not to make the trip across country. However, there should still be a few familiar names as players such as Robbie Fowler and Jermaine Pennant hopefully making an appearance.

As for the Imps, it will more than likely see every member of the official squad play some part in the game and if the majority of the other friendlies are anything to go by, the first team will play the first half and play well before the 1 year pros come on and be dominated for the entire second half. One thing that won't please the Imps' fans who don't just come for the big games, is if any of the first team regulars are injured, especially after the start that City have had to the season.

City don't have a good record against Liverpool, winning just 5 of the 23 competitive meetings between the clubs compared to Liverpool's 13 wins. The last meeting was in the 1960/1 season when City went down 2-0 at Anfield, however the Imps did achieve the double over the Merseyside club in the previous season.