Iron to end Irvine spree
Scunthorpe v Sheff Wed
Scunthorpe gave a vigorous account of themselves in the FA Cup at the weekend and will need more of the same if they are to defeat resurgent Sheffield Wednesday.
The Iron were beaten 4-2 by moneybags Manchester City at Glanford Park but impressed everyone with their fighting spirit and quality, something that if maintained for the entirety of the campaign will surely see the Lincolnshire club steer clear of relegation danger.
United’s cup jaunt did see them overtaken in the Championship by their midweek opponents – a side who dismantled Nigel Adkin’s men 4-0 at Hillsborough in August – and after three wins on the spin, Wednesday will be brimming with confidence
However, Scunny could field a stronger team than the one which battled Roberto Mancini’s Citizens so admirably, with ex-Charlton schemer Josh Wright ready to return to the starting line-up after illness and 20-year-old midfielder Donal McDermott – signed on loan from the Iron’s FA Cup conquerors – set to make his bow.
Only rock-bottom Peterborough have conceded more than Adkins’ men’s 46 this term and the former Wigan goalkeeper has admitted he is working hard to bolster his defence during the remaining days of the January transfer window.
Wednesday have enjoyed a spectacular upturn in form since the appointment of Alan Irvine and with two of their three victories under him coming away from home, the Owls will fully expect another maximum-point haul.
Things now appear rosy in the Yorkshiremen’s garden but Irvine has warned his side to make sure they concentrate for the full 90 minutes, having seen them concede late on in their last two games, making for a nerve-wracking finale.
On-loan Stoke midfielder Tom Soares will keep his place having extended his stint at Hillsborough until the end of the season, while Jermaine Johnson – who missed Saturday’s win over Peterborough with a hamstring strain – may figure, as could elusive ex-Everton and Arsenal striker Francis Jeffers.
Wednesday have not won on Scunthorpe soil in over 50 years and that should remain the case in midweek, with the Iron ending Irvine’s 100 per cent Owls record and claiming a draw.
Verdict: Scunthorpe 1-1 Sheff Wed