Chris Sutton will be forced to field a patched up side for the Lincolnshire derby clash with managerless Grimsby Town on Saturday.

Sutton could be without as many as twelve players this weekend with a combination of injury, illness and suspension depriving the manager of some key players.

Eric Lichaj is serving his final game of a three match ban while Aaron Brown and Ian Pearce both begin their suspensions following last weekends red cards against Cheltenham.

Last Saturday's fixture was costly for the Imps with not only the sending offs but also losing Sergio Torres and Shane Clarke through injury.

Torres damaged ankle ligaments resulting in a six week lay off while Shane Clarke picked up a knock and is rated as 50/50 for the game this weekend.

The Imps lost Rene Howe and Adam Watts ahead of the game with Cheltenham last week and both are again doubtful for the Lincolnshire derby.

Joe Heath and Richard Butcher have been off ill during the week and they are unlikely to feature while Lenell John-Lewis is also doubtful.

Paul Green is still a couple of weeks away from a return as he slowly builds up his fitness after hip surgery in the summer while Paul Connor is not expected back anytime soon.

There is some good news for the Imps though as Cian Hughton returns to the squad following international duty with the Republic of Ireland under 21's and he could slot in at left back as a result of Aaron Brown's suspension.

Club Captain Scott Kerr could return to the line up if Shane Clarke is not deemed fit enough while Chris Fagan and Jamie Clarke are likely to continue up front.

The Grimsby squad has been bolstered by the addition of two loan signings this week.

Following the departure of manager Mike Newell, the Mariners are languishing in the bottom two, five points adrift of City with Caretaker Manager Neil Woods set to take to the dugout for the final time in charge as Grimsby get set to announce their new manager next week.

Woods has captured Nicky Featherstone and Michael Coulson in an attempt to stop the rot which has seen them without a win in the league since the middle of September.

Featherstone joins on loan from Hull and can play anywhere across the midfield or up front. He played in both the Tigers League Cup games this season but is yet to feature in the Premier League.

Striker Michael Coulson has joined on loan from Barnsley and is match fit after recently completing a loan spell with Blue Square Premiership side Chester City where he scored once in five appearances for the Club.

There will be at least one change from last weeks starting line up as Rob Atkinson will miss out after picking up a red card in the 0-0 draw with Northampton.

Robbie Stockdale, Nathan Jarman and Adam Proudlock are all still injured.

Referee for the game is Steve Tanner with kick off at Sincil Bank at 3pm.