Preview: Scunthorpe vs Leicester

High-flying Leicester travel to Scunthorpe tomorrow, hoping to take home the win that would keep them within touching distance of the Championship's top two.

The Foxes are currently on a high after Andy King's 93rd minute winner against Plymouth last weekend, a win which took Nigel Pearson's side up to the third place.

Scunthorpe have endured a struggle since their return to the division via the playoffs, currently on a four match losing streak after Saturday's 3-0 defeat at Watford.

There have, however, been some encouraging results for the Iron, including victories over Newcastle and Sheffield United so far this campaign.

The two sides met last season in the same fixture in League One, with Andy King's 81st minute winner sending City to the top of the league for the first time that season.

Scunthorpe have not yet beaten City in a league meeting, a stat manager Nigel Adkins will be seeking to overturn with victory at Glanford Park tomorrow.

Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins: 'We've been very successful at home this season, beating the likes of Derby County, Preston North End, Sheffield United and Newcastle United.

'We are looking forward to playing them here because they beat us last season in League One. They were very emotional after the game and realised it was a massive win for them when we were both top of the table'.

Leicester captain Matt Oakley: 'I remember the game last year, on a cold and blustery day, when we performed well, Kingy scored a late goal and we took all three points but Newcastle and Sheffield United were two good scalps so hopefully we are not going to be a part of that.'

Scunthorpe have no major fresh injury concerns, with the only remaining casualties being Ben May and Kenny Milne.

Matt Sparrow is a possible doubt with a dead leg, and could sit out the tie.

Nigel Adkins could make changes from the side which went down 3-0 to Watford at the weekend, and could recall Grant McCann and Michael O'Connor to the side.

Scunthorpe's equivalent of Matty Fryatt, Hooper consistently remains the Iron's top-goalscorer. This season remains no different with five goals to his name in 13 appearances so far.

Alongside Paul Hayes, Hooper will undoubtedly be the one Nigel Pearson will be keeping an eye out for. Nigel Adkins will be hoping for a sterling show from his main man.

Pearson is unlikely to tinker hevaily from the victory over Plymouth, but is likely to recall skipper Matt Oakley to the fold. Paul Gallagher or Andy King are the men likely to make way.

Elsewhere, French striker Yann Kermorgant could continue his role just behind the front two of Matty Fryatt and Martyn Waghorn.

The Frenchman started last weekend's match against Plymouth, putting in a performance which was greeted with appreciative applause after his second half substitution.

His role behind Leicester's front two strikers could be the key to unlocking Championship defences, with goals often hard to come by for the Foxes.

- Scunthorpe have conceded 12 goals in their last four matches.

- Despite their current 21st position in the table, the home side currently lie 14th in the home form table.

- Unfortunately for them, they come up against the Championship's second form team over the past 8 games in Leicester.

- The Foxes have conceded just three times in their last six matches.

Scunthorpe 0-1 Leicester

5th December 2009:
Nottingham Forest vs Leicester

6th December 2009:
Scunthorpe United vs Coventry

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