Preview: Scunthorpe United v Sheffield Wednesday

Vital Scunthorpe preview the Iron’s 4th friendly of the summer, this time against the recently relegated Sheffield Wednesday.

Vital Quotes:

As Jim McNulty told the Scunthorpe Telegraph;
‘I definitely think we can stay up again’.

As Luke Boden told Wednesday Player;
‘This has been our toughest pre-season’.

Scunthorpe United Team News:

Nigel Adkins is expected to be able to name an almost full-strength side against Sheffield Wednesday, with no fresh injury worries: with Scottish defender Kenny Milne the only long-term worry.

That means that the Iron fans should see new signings Bobby Grant, Chris Dagnall, Eddie Nolan & Jim McNulty make their home debuts.

Despite his imminent departure being expected: Gary Hooper is also anticipated to be playing some part.

Player to watch: Chris Dagnall

The ex-Rochdale hit man has recently signed on a free and the 24 year old has high hopes on his shoulders, and if his record is anything to go by: he is not likely to dissapoint.

Sheffield Wednesday Team News:

Alan Irvine is also expected to name a full strength side, attempting to build upon their recent 1-1 draw with Darlington. This means that new signings such as Paul Heffernan, Clinton Morrison & Neil Mellor are all expected to play some part.

However, highly rated keeper Lee Grant will miss out, for despite the Owls having turned down Burnley’s £1m for him: the keeper is still suffering the same injury which has kept him out of all Wednesday’s friendlies so far.

Player to watch: Neil Mellor

The big bustling front man has recently re-united himself with former Preston boss Alan Irvine. Whilst not the quickest off the mark: he is a big physical presence, is a big threat in the air: and will no doubt cause Scunthorpe’s defence problems if the delivery is right.

Match Facts & Stats

The Iron’s recent record against Sheffield Wednesday is generally very good.

In their last two home games against the Owls, they’ve taken 4 points off them: beating them 2-0 last season and drawing with them 1-1 in the 2007/08 season.

At Hillsborough last season however, the Iron were comprehensively thrashed 4-0 last season.

The Iron will thus hope Saturday’s game reflects more on their recent home games.

Ref Watch:

The referee will be Clive Oliver. For more information see the Ref Watch article on the main page.

Match Prediction:

Scunthorpe United 2-1 Sheffield Wednesday.

Dagnall, Grant & Mellor to score.

Next Fixtures:

The Iron’s remaning pre-season games entail friendlies against York, Huddersfield, & the Lincolnshire Cup Final.