Oxford Utd v Scunthorpe preview: League One clash live on Sky Sports Football

Karl Robinson takes charge of his first home game as Oxford United boss when they welcome League One promotion hopefuls Scunthorpe on Friday, live on Sky Sports Football from 12.30pm.

The former MK Dons boss saw his new side lose 3-0 at Portsmouth last time out and he will be without Alex Mowatt at the Kassam Stadium following his red card in the defeat.

Joe Rothwell is available following a hamstring injury and the midfielder could come straight back into the side. Striker Jon Obika has been struggling with a hip problem but Robinson is also hopeful that he can play a part.

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Scunthorpe sit fifth in the table but are on a dismal run and without a win in eight, which led to Graham Alexander losing his job. His replacement, interim boss Nick Daws, will be looking to get a promotion bid back on track with a first win since February 3.

Daws could be boosted by the return of Marnick Vermijl, the Preston loanee having been missing with a hamstring problem. Jordan Clarke came off the bench at half-time in last week's 1-1 draw with Rochdale and is pushing for a first start since his own hamstring injury sidelined him in November, while Lee Novak (heel) is training once more.

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Opta stats

Oxford won twice at home against Scunthorpe last season, winning 4-1 in the Football League Trophy and 2-1 in League One.

Scunthorpe haven't failed to score in a match against Oxford in all competitions since April 2000, netting in 14 consecutive matches.

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Oxford have won just one of their last seven league games (D1 L5), including a loss last time out in Karl Robinson's first game as manager.

Scunthorpe are unbeaten in their last 10 league games played on Friday (W7 D3).

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Prutton's prediction

Karl Robinson will be extremely disappointed with the way his Oxford career started at Portsmouth last Sunday, but this is a chance for them to right the wrongs of that game quickly.

I thought the sacking of Graham Alexander was incredibly harsh, especially when you consider Scunthorpe are still in the top six. They are on a poor run and will need to turn that around as soon as they can. I think Oxford will nick this one.

David Prutton predicts: 1-0 with Wes Thomas to score (28/1 with Sky Bet)

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