Michael Skubala says his team "need to be respectful, but fear nobody" as the Imps prepare to face Sky Bet League One champions Portsmouth on Saturday.
A sold out LNER Stadium will see City lock horns with Pompey as Skubala's side look to seal their place in the play-offs following a run which has seen just one defeat in 19 matches.
He said: “The lads are really focused and all they’re concentrating on is the next game.
“If we look back to early January/February and were offered the chance to take it to this game we’d have taken that. Ultimately, it’s another opportunity for us to get three points.
“We know it’ll be tough against a great team who are worthy champions in my eyes, but if you look at our form and their form in the last 15 games, it’s similar.
“I think we’ve got the toughest game out of the play-off contenders and we go into it expecting the other teams around us to win - so we have to win. We know we’re in the position where if we win, we go through, which is a nice situation to be in.
"We’ll know exactly what’s going on elsewhere and will know the permutations but ultimately it’s down to winning this game against a very good Portsmouth team.
"They’re a very professional outfit, and I know their head coach John Mousinho really well. They won’t lay down for anyone and we know how tough it’ll be, but if we play like we can for 90 minutes we’ll have every chance.”
The match has been sold out since last week, and Skubala says the players cannot wait to perform in front of a full stadium again.
He added: “The players are really excited that the place will be rocking and are proud to be in this position, like we all are. I’m sure the fans will do everything they can to try and help us get the win.”
