Robins in better shape for Scunny

City head for Scunthorpe on Saturday hopeful of getting our first win on the board after the international break.

And lets be honest, there’s no better chance to get that elusive win on Saturday with Scunthorpe looking like a team in disarray.

Nigel Adkins has done a sterling job at Glanford Park over recent years, establishing the Iron in the Championship on a shoe-string budget.

But such success attracts the vultures and they came in the form of Southampton, who want Adkins to succeed Alan Pardew.

That deal hangs in the balance going into the game whilst City’s fortunes appear to be improving.

With the injuries beginning to clear and the squad showing signs of settling down after the turmoil of losing Steve Coppell last month, it could be a great time to play Scunny at one of our traditional bogey ground’s.

Vital Quotes:

Scunthorpe winger Martin Woolford expects an easy win…

“We’ve had a couple of weeks’ break but all we’ve been focusing on is the next game. We’ve still worked really hard in training. I can’t see why we won’t win. “

City boss Keith Millen…

“It can’t have been great for Scunthorpe this week with all the speculation.

‘In all honesty we can’t let that sort of speculation bother us in any shape or form.

‘We’ve had a good week’s training and we will be focusing our attentions on trying to win the game.”

Scunthorpe United Team News:

Scunny’s only absentees are Garry Thompson and Jim McNulty for the City game.

Winger Thompson is ruled out for up to two months due to a groin injury.

On-loan Brighton left-back McNulty sustained an ankle injury in the recent 2-0 defeat at QPR and will also be missing for the Iron.

Otherwise, Adkins has a fresh squad to select from.

Player to watch: Martin Woolford

Lively left-winger could pose a threat to Nicky Hunt if the full-back hasn’t improved his fitness and match sharpness during the international break. Will need to be watched.

Bristol City Team News:

New signing Danny Rose is unavailable to make his City debut on the left-wing after picking up a niggle whilst on international duty with England Under-21’s in the week.

However, Danny Haynes (groin and hamstring) and defender Lewin Nyatanga are close to making first-team returns but are lacking match sharpness and could be on the bench at Glanford Park.

Otherwise, Keith Millen has a near enough fully-fit squad to choose from.

Captain Louis Carey (heel) is fit again and available for selection while midfielder Cole Skuse has shrugged off a knee complaint.

Player to watch: Brett Pitman

Could be his day after looking sharp in training over the last ten days.

Match Facts & Stats

– City possess the weakeast defence in the Championship so far having shipped NINE goals in four games.

– Brett Pitman stands to make his 200th career appearance.

– City and Scunthorpe have a equal head-to-head record. In 18 matches, both sides have won six and there’s been six draws.

– There’s never been a goalless draw between the two sides.

Ref Watch:

Andy Haines (Tyne & Wear)
Promoted to the National List of Assistant Referees in 2003 after having successful seasons on the Wearside and Northern Leagues. After two seasons as a Panel referee he was promoted to the National List of Referees in 2007.

Match Prediction:

SCUNTHORPE 1-2 CITY

Scunny seem to be distracted by all the talk surrounding Adkins and I sense things could be coming together for City behind the scenes. The squad should be fresh, some injuries have cleared up and hopefully it will lead to our first win of the season.