Scunthorpe v Yeovil preview

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Scunthorpe will be without suspended skipper Neal Bishop for the home game against Yeovil.

Midfielder Bishop received his 10th booking of the season in the midweek home defeat to Barnsley and begins a two-game ban so George Evans, on loan from Manchester City, could return to the starting line-up.

Defender Marcus Williams is doubtful after being forced out of the action on Tuesday night with a back problem. Eddie Nolan replaced the full-back in midweek and could return to the starting line-up.

On-loan Chelsea defender Alex Davey has missed the last two games due to an ankle injury and remains doubtful as the Iron bid to avoid a third straight defeat.

Yeovil are sweating on the fitness of captain Joe Edwards ahead of the trip.

The midfielder missed League One encounters against Doncaster and Gillingham with an ankle injury and boss Terry Skiverton is determined not to rush his skipper back into action and will consult the club’s medical staff before including the former Bristol City man.

Striker Adam Morgan marked his first appearance for almost a year with a late penalty against the Gills and is likely to be involved again having been brought in from the cold by Skiverton.

Liam Davis, Nathan Ralph and Joel Grant are pushing for their first starts since returning to full fitness.

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Scunthorpe v Yeovil preview

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Scunthorpe skipper Paul Reid has only an outside chance of making his first appearance of the season.

Central defender Reid has been forced to sit out the Iron’s first two games, which both ended in defeat to newly-promoted sides Crawley and Crewe, due to a broken hand.

Reid had a lightweight cast placed on his hand at the beginning of the week and has returned to training, but is not expected to be risked against Yeovil. Tom Newey is likely to resume alongside David Mirfin in his absence.

Winger Mark Duffy will return to contention following his one-match ban for two yellow cards at Crawley on the opening day and manager Alan Knill has no new injury or suspension worries.

Knill, who said the first 45 minutes against Crewe on Tuesday night was the best he had seen from his side since taking charge 16 months ago, is not expected to make changes.

Midfield pair Damien Mozika (ankle) and Michael Collins (Achilles) are not yet ready for first-team action.

Meanwhile, Yeovil boss Gary Johnson is sweating on the fitness of injured duo Rohan Ince and Gavin Williams.

Chelsea loanee Ince is still receiving treatment on the shin injury he suffered against Newport during pre-season.

Fellow midfielder Williams travelled for the midweek clash at Brentford but wasn’t fit enough to be named amongst the substitutes.

Ince returned from his parent club earlier this week to resume training and faces a late fitness test whilst Williams will also be assessed.

Striker Gozie Ugwu also had to settle for a place on the bench in that fixture but is expected to return to the starting XI having regained fitness after a knock. Reuben Reid will partner James Hayter if Ugwu fails to recover in time.

Scunthorpe v Yeovil preview

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Nicky Ajose is likely to go straight into Scunthorpe’s starting line-up for the encounter after signing on loan from Peterborough.

Alan Knill is reunited with the striker he signed on a temporary deal for Bury last season and, in the absence of the suspended Andy Barcham, the Iron manager will look for the 19-year-old to lead the line.

Midfielder Michael Collins has recovered from an Achilles injury and is in contention for a place on the bench, while defender Cliff Byrne is stepping up his recovery from a back injury, although this weekend’s game is likely to come too soon.

Defender Andrew Wright missed last Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Walsall with a hamstring injury and is a doubt, as is midfielder Damien Mozika, who picked up a knock earlier this week.

Goalkeeper Josh Lillis and midfielder Jimmy Ryan (both knee) remain long-term absentees.

Midfielder Dominic Blizzard has been added to the Yeovil injury list for the trip.

Blizzard was substituted after 20 minutes of the Glovers’ 3-2 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday last weekend with knee ligament damage, and has been ruled out of the match against the Iron.

Meanwhile, Gavin Williams is likely to be out until Christmas with a similar injury.

The 31-year-old midfielder saw a specialist in London last week but is unlikely to be available for Terry Skiverton until 2012.

Andy Williams is three weeks away from full fitness and will miss out once again, while on-loan striker Jon Obika has returned to Tottenham as he bids to recover from a knee problem.