Lincoln City visit Elland Road tomorrow night for the first round of the 2010-11 League Cup. With almost half a century since the last time the two teams met, The Scratching Shed is joined by Grace Storr for a low-down on the visitors.

Ryan – Its 49 years since we last met in a competitive game. Are you looking forward to playing the mighty whites?

Grace – Of course we’re all looking forward to it! Definitely one of the best draws we could have got! Obviously being 19 I’ve never seen City play Leeds so I’m very excited to get to Elland Road!

Ryan – Its the first round of the Carling Cup. Is it a cup that Lincoln fans get excited about or one that they could do with out? Is Chris Sutton likely to put his strongest team out?

Grace – We have to be excited about all the cup runs we can get! Being in the lower leagues it’s really good to get a big tie eg. Bolton away in the 3rd round of the FA Cup last year, it’s something the fans (and players!) never forget. I think a strong team will be fielded, Sutton’s got his head screwed on!

Ryan – Do you expect many Lincoln fans to make the trip to Elland Road?

Grace – I know we’ve sold quite a bit of our initial ticket allocation already, so hoping with a good performance against Rotherham a few more fans might be interested.

Somma enjoying his time at Lincoln

Ryan – Our man Davide Somma ended up being your top scorer last year and helped you avoid relegation. He’s suspended so wont be playing on Tuesday night but what can we expect from him? Do you think he is capable of the step up to The Championship?

Grace – He’s such an excellent player. He really is! I think every Lincoln fan was gutted when we found out he wouldn’t be returning this season. I’m so grateful to him and to Chris Sutton for bringing him in and saving us from the drop. He should do really well for you (I rate him more than Beckford!)

Ryan – Chris Sutton said that you are aiming for promotion this season. Where do you expect Lincoln to finish this season? Is promotion a realistic target?

Grace – To be honest, it’s hard to judge not having seen a competitive match this season. I can’t see it happening if we don’t bring in another forward soon, we’ve played well in pre-season but are lacking the finishing touch!

Ryan -Sticking with Sutton, he appears to be another strong young manager much like our very own Simon Grayson. Do you think he has the ability to manage at a higher level and has he made a good impression with Lincoln fans so far?

Grace – I didn’t take to him much at first, but he really does know what he’s talking about, and now I am a big fan of his! Even though he has no managerial experience, he has links with many clubs and brings in some awesome players. I’ve got a lot of faith in Sutty, I think he’ll go a long way!

Ryan – Who should we be looking out for in your squad? Anyone capable of causing us a few problems?

Danger man - Carayol

Grace – Mustapha Carayol and Albert Jarrett have looked dangerous in pre-season. They’re very pacey, and Carayol is so skillful! Cian Hughton is solid whatever position he plays in and Andy Hutchinson is a young player to look out for too, he’s just signed a contract extension as Sutton is pleased with his progress.

Ryan – Lincoln have always had good players coming through their academy. Are there are any youngsters tipped to be the next big thing?

Grace – As I said above Andy Hutchinson! It’s difficult to say because Jack Hobbs (now captain of Leicester City) came from our academy, but he only played around a minute of first team football before being signed by Liverpool!

Ryan – How do you think Leeds will do this season, back in The Championship?

Grace – I think Leeds have every chance of being up there this season (as much as I hate to say it!). To me there’s no stand out team in The Championship. I wish you the best of luck, but not against Leicester City, I have a little soft spot there!

Ryan – Finally, what’s your prediction for the game? I think Leeds will put out a weakened team but will edge it 1-0.

Grace – As much as I’d love to say we’ll win 2-1, I think our team haven’t played as a team enough yet (with all the new signings) so I think you will most probably beat us. But I’ll remain optimistic til the final whistle! UTI!

Many thanks to Grace for joining us this week and best wishes to Lincoln City for the season ahead.