Dave Artell has great respect for the work Michael Appleton has achieved with the Imps

Crewe Alexandra will be hoping its third time lucky when we face Lincoln City this weekend. The Alex were beaten 2-1 in the League Cup on the opening day of the season and 1-0 in the League One encounter at Gresty Road back in October.

Michael Appleton’s Imps have been up there all season and they currently lie third in the League One table following a 2-1 defeat to Fleetwood in the week.

Ahead of our trip to the LNER Stadium, the Alex boss told the club’s official website: “Lincoln are a good side with a good manager. They are coached well and have been in good form for much of the season.

“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.”