Swindon v Scunthorpe preview

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Swindon look set to hand a debut to left-back Brad Smith when when they host Scunthorpe.

The Liverpool defender, and England Under-17 international, arrived at the County Ground on loan on Thursday evening and is pushing for his first start in English football.

Midfielder Anton Rodgers looks set to be the other Robins debutant in a squad which has changed little since last season’s unsuccessful play-off hunt.

Boss Mark Cooper has added Jordan Turnbull to his squad on a season-long loan deal from Southampton, while defender Jack Stephens looks almost certain to step into the starting line-up if his move from St Mary’s is completed in time.

Scunthorpe defender David Mirfin is the only player not in contention for his side’s opening game.

Mirfin had minor surgery to repair knee cartilage damage in July and remains sidelined so Miles Addison, on loan from Bournemouth, and former Sheffield Wednesday centre-half Miguel Llera are both hoping to make their debuts.

Fellow summer signings Lyle Taylor, Neal Bishop and Jennison Myrie-Williams are all available for their first competitive starts for the newly-promoted Iron.

Taylor, signed from Sheffield United, is vying with Paddy Madden and Deon Burton to fill the gap left by the departure to Barnsley of last season’s top goalscorer Sam Winnall.

Swindon v Scunthorpe preview

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Swindon boss Paolo Di Canio will be without Alan Navarro.

The midfielder was stretchered off in the final minutes of last weekend’s draw with Coventry and there were initial fears of a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, after further assessment Navarro has been ruled out for up to four weeks with medial ligament damage and is currently being treated in Rome.

Regular skipper Alan McCormack could be in line for a return having missed the Robins last two matches with a hamstring complaint.

McCormack would take the armband back from fellow midfielder Tommy Miller who he is likely to partner in place of the injured Navarro.

Tottenham loanee John Bostock is also expected to retain his place in Di Canio’s starting XI having impressed on his debut against the Sky Blues last weekend.

Scunthorpe skipper Paul Reid is once again in a race to be fit to make his first appearance of the season.

The central defender broke a bone in his hand in the summer before his comeback was scuppered first by a groin injury and then a calf strain, which kept him out of a behind-closed-doors friendly in midweek.

Fellow centre-half David Mirfin begins a one-game ban following his dismissal last week in the home draw with Brentford and it is likely that Callum Kennedy will make his first start since the end of August following a fractured toe, with Tom Newey moving inside to partner Niall Canavan in central defence.

Striker Karl Hawley is hoping to return to contention after missing three matches with a twisted ankle and midfielder Josh Walker is pushing for a recall after making way for Robbie Gibbons last week.

Midfielder Michael Collins (Achilles) and Damien Mozika (ankle) are both closing in on a return to action following long-term injuries.

The Iron, third from bottom of the table, are chasing only their third league win of the season.