Scunthorpe will call on fit-again defenders for the clash with Sheff Utd, who could be without a recognised striker.
Defender boost for Iron, striker worries for Blades
Scunthorpe United will call on several fit-again defenders for the clash with Sheffield United, who could be without a recognised striker.
The hosts have Rob Jones, David Mirfin and Marcus Williams available for Saturday's lunchtime kick-off after the trio overcame injury concerns.
Record signing Jones limped out of the Iron's last game - a 2-1 defeat at Plymouth - with a hamstring injury but has trained this week and is set to start.
His defensive partner Mirfin is also set to take his place at the heart of Nigel Adkins' defence after recovering from a groin injury, and Williams is fit after a knock.
Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Joe Murphy is another poised to return to the starting line-up after a dead leg, meaning Josh Lillis will make way.
Jordan Spence and Michael O'Connor both sat out the game at Plymouth, but are expected to return to the team.
Striker Ben May has been ruled out for six weeks due to an ankle injury, while Kenny Milne is not yet ready to return from a long-term knee problem.
United lost their two games before the international break, both on the road, and will be looking for a return to form as they prepare for back-to-back home games with the Blades and Newcastle.
Sheff Utd news
Sheffield United boss Kevin Blackwell will have to make a late decision on his line-up as he may be missing 10 first-team players.
The current injury crisis at Bramall Lane has left Blackwell with worries over four strikers - Jamie Ward, Ched Evans, Richard Cresswell and Darius Henderson.
Ward has a hamstring injury, Evans withdrew from the Wales squad last weekend with an ankle injury, Cresswell is nursing cracked ribs and Henderson has flu.
Blackwell is weighing up whether to take a risk on Ward and Henderson, but has ruled out bringing in loan reinforcements.
Midfielder Nick Montgomery damaged medial ligaments in the recent 1-1 draw with Doncaster and skipper Chris Morgan is doubtful with an unspecified injury.
Matt Kilgallon has recently recovered from an ankle problem, but Gary Naysmith, Derek Geary, James Harper (all knee) and Lee Williamson (back) are long-term absentees.
Blackwell has cited this spate of injuries as the reason his side have failed to pick up where they left off last season, but the Blades still lie sixth in the table.
