Scunthorpe v Middlesbrough Preview

Posted on | August 17, 2009 | No Comments

This really is a story of little versus large as arguably the smallest club in the division go against one of the biggest. Following their promotion from League One last season Scunthorpe have been tipped as clear favorites for relegation, while it’s a different story for Middlesbrough who are aiming to bounce back to the Premiership at the first attempt.

They may have one of the smallest budgets in the division, but there’s no doubting that Scunthorpe will fight for every single minute of their time in this division. Nigel Adkins knows he can’t compete with the quality of other teams, but team spirit he can and that will be the key thing that could help Scunthorpe survive. They were dealt a harsh introduction to life in the Championship on the opening day after Cardiff knocked four past them. However, they’ve bounced back emphatically since and recorded a 2-1 win over Chesterfield in the Carling Cup before then notching their first three points of the season and beating Derby 3-2. That result will have instilled great confidence into them although they know there is plenty of work left before they achieve their main goal of survival.

As for Middlesbrough, Gareth Southgate’s men look to have adapted quite well to life in the Championship. Having recorded a creditable draw with Sheffield United, Boro then went on and thrashed Swansea 3-0 at the Liberty Stadium. That result came after many pundits claimed Boro didn’t have the firepower for promotion, but already the team sits in 4^th position. However, one of the goal scorers in that game was Turkish international Tuncay – one player that Gareth Southgate admits is unlikely to be at the club next month. With such impending departures, it remains to be seen whether or not the Riverside Stadium outfit can maintain this impressive form.

Following their victory over Derby, Nigel Adkins could keep his Scunthorpe side the same for this one. However, he does face a small dilemma after West Ham defender Jordan Spence joined the club on loan earlier in the week. Gareth Southgate is in a similar boat and following his team’s victory, he will want to keep changes to a minimum. Didier Digard will continue to sit on the sidelines through a groin injury, but Jeremie Aliadiere and Gary O’Neil will both be available to play

It’s hard to analyse the past form between these two sides, with the last meeting being forty two years ago. Still, Scunthorpe may have defied the odds to beat Derby in their last game, but we think Middlesbrough simply have too much quality here. Scunny will make it difficult, but our prediction is a 2-0 away win for Boro.

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4. Scunthorpe v Peterborough Preview
5. Sheffield United v Scunthorpe Preview

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