Accrington v Scunthorpe preview

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Accrington boss James Beattie has no fresh concerns ahead of Scunthorpe’s visit.

Stanley are hopeful on-loan goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli will not be recalled by parent club Fulham, who could be depleted in that department if Maarten Stekelenburg had to come off with a head injury in Wednesday night’s loss to Liverpool.

The Cottagers had not made moves to do so on Thursday morning with Accrington’s back-up goalkeeper Andrew Dawber ready to fill in once again if Bettinelli was to head back to Craven Cottage.

The only definite absentee for Beattie is young striker Marcus Carver, recently recalled from a non-league loan spell because of a shin problem.

Scunthorpe boss Russ Wilcox is expected to name his side for Friday’s game at Accrington from an unchanged squad.

Wilcox, whose side have drawn their last five league matches, recalled Christian Ribeiro at right-back and handed striker Paddy Madden his first start in last week’s top-of-the-table clash with Chesterfield and must decide whether to retain the same starting line-up.

Winger Gary McSheffrey and forward Paul Hayes were among the substitutes against Chesterfield and are pushing for recalls, while midfielder Matt Sparrow is in contention to start after impressing when he stepped off the bench.

The Iron are unbeaten in 14 games under Wilcox, who replaced Brian Laws as manager in November.

Accrington v Scunthorpe preview

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Accrington boss John Coleman could again be without defender Danny Coid.

The summer signing missed Saturday’s goalless draw at Northampton on the opening day of the season due to injury and is rated as doubtful again.

Defender Kevin Long, on loan from Burnley, is eligible to play and Nat Taylor will make his debut if selected after he joined the club last week on non-contract terms.

Coleman is hoping to have Kern Miller – on loan from Barnsley – available for the meeting with Alan Knill’s side.

The Stanley boss was philosophical about opening the season with a goalless draw on Saturday, although he admitted: “We made enough chances to win it.”

Scunthorpe boss Alan Knill hopes winger Andy Barcham will be available.

Barcham missed Saturday’s season-opening 1-1 draw at Wycombe with a foot injury but was rested as a precaution and is targeting the cup game for his return.

Centre-back Niall Canavan, who was a substitute at the weekend, is on international duty with Republic of Ireland U21s so will be absent from the squad.

Elsewhere, there are no fresh injury worries but Matt Godden (ankle) and Cliff Byrne (back) continue to miss out.

Midfielder Michael O’Connor will be assessed ahead of the game after playing the full 90 minutes at Wycombe.

He had only played 15 minutes of pre-season before then after overcoming a knee problem.