Accrington Stanley's 2019/20 campaign gets underway this weekend with a trip to Sincil Bank to face last season's Sky Bet League Two Champions Lincoln City on Saturday 3rd August; 3pm kick-off.
The Imps clinched the League Two title with 85 points and a record that boasted only seven losses throughout the whole season, making them the only side in the division to finish the campaign with less than 10 defeats.
Lincoln's pre-season has included narrow defeats to Stoke City and Sheffield Wednesday, as well as a 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.
Danny Cowley (below) has been in charge of The Imps since May 2016 and he oversaw the club's promotion back to the Football League in his first season in charge, following a six-year absence since relegation in 2011.
In the club's first season back in the Football League Cowley secured the EFL Trophy at Wembley Stadium in April 2018 with a 1-0 win over Shrewsbury Town, before clinching the League Two title last season.
The two sides have played each other seven times at Sincil Bank, with The Imps coming out on top on six occasions.
However, the last time Stanley played Lincoln in a league match saw a Jordan Clark goal seal the 2017/18 League Two title for John Coleman's side at the Wham Stadium.
Key Players
Jack Payne - The 24-year-old began his career with Southend United before joining Huddersfield Town in June 2016. The London born midfielder spent the 2018/19 season on loan at Bradford City, during which time he made 47 appearances and grabbed nine goals. Payne is one of Lincoln's summer additions following their League Two triumph and the playmaker is expected to make his official debut for the club on Saturday.
Bruno Andrade - The winger began his career with Queens Park Rangers and he made four appearances for the club, including one in the Premier League. Andrade left Loftus Road permanently in 2015 to join Woking in the National League, before signing for Boreham Wood a year later. The 25-year-old was signed by Lincoln in 2018 and he enjoyed a stellar first season as he grabbed 11 goals and contributed with eight assists.
John Akinde - The striker has played for 15 different clubs during his career including Bristol City, Crawley Town and Portsmouth. It was at Barnet that the 30-year-old settled as he grabbed 88 goals in 175 appearances for The Bees. Akinde joined Lincoln in 2018 and he played a crucial role in the club's League Two triumph as he found the net on 15 occasions and provided eight assists.
Team News - Lincoln City
Danny Cowley has brought in four new players over the summer with Joe Morrell and Jack Payne expected to make their club debuts, and Jorge Grant will have to compete with Bruno Andrade and Harry Anderson for one of the wide positions.
Team News - Stanley
Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman will provide the latest update on his team during Thursday's Press Conference at the Wham Stadium.
Tickets
Tickets remain on general sale for the match at Sincil Bank; click here for full information.
Kit
Stanley will be wearing the light blue and white away kit for Saturday's Sky Bet League One opener at Sincil Bank, click here to buy a shirt.
Social Media
If you can't make it to the game, why not follow the action on the club's official Twitter account - @ASFCofficial.