Preston v Scunthorpe Preview

Posted on | April 10, 2010 | No Comments

Both of these sides are not mathematically safe from relegation, although there’s no doubting that it’s Scunthorpe who need the points more. The Iron are sat in 19^th position on forty seven points and with two points separating them from the drop zone, they know they’re in a precarious situation. Preston on the other hand are sat on fifty points and while that is usually judged as a good safety barrier, many pundits are already suggesting that teams will need a few more points than that to remain in the division.

Preston’s campaign hasn’t been quite as extravagant as last season, which saw the Lilywhites dramatically clinch a playoff position on the last day. This year has been much more reserved and the man who got the Deepdale outfit into the top six departed and has been replaced by Darren Ferguson. As it stands, Ferguson’s men sit in 17^th position on fifty points and with four games remaining, you’d assume they’d be safe. However, nothing is guaranteed in this league and Ferguson knows that his side probably need another win to definitely secure their divisional status. There’s no doubt that the Lilywhites need to improve their form immensely though having not won in their last six and coming into this game off the back of a 3-1 defeat to relegation candidates Crystal Palace.

While Scunthorpe are actually in a worse position and three points lower, their season has to be rated more successful. The Iron operate on a tiny budget and if they do manage to stay in the division, Nigel Adkins will have done an absolutely grand job. Compared to many of their relegation rivals, the Glanford Park outfit have to play one game more which could make all the difference come the end of the season. Their recent results haven’t been too sparkling though and having conceded seven in defeats to Blackpool and Swansea in their last two games, Adkins knows he needs to give his team a boost.

The home side have a few problems in regards to team news for this game and it starts with Darren Carter. The former West Brom man is struggling with an ankle injury and he could join the likes of Chris Sedgwick and Ross Wallace who are also missing out. It’s much better for Scunthorpe though who welcome back leading scorer Gary Hooper and defender David Mirfin. Both have been out for a few weeks and will be hoping to return and end the Iron’s two-game losing run.

Scunthorpe’s form on the road hasn’t been the best in recent months, with the Iron recording just one win in their last six games away from Glanford Park. However, Preston haven’t exactly been on fire at Deepdale and with the Lilywhites drawing their last three home games, we’re going to anticipate another here – 2-2.

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1. Scunthorpe v Preston Preview
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3. Derby v Scunthorpe Preview
4. Scunthorpe v Reading Preview
5. Nottingham Forest v Scunthorpe Preview

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