Sheffield United vs Scunthorpe United preview - Williams back for Iron

Posted Friday, March 13, 2015 by PA

Scunthorpe defender Marcus Williams could return for the home game against his former club Sheffield United.

Williams (back) has missed the last three games but is hoping to be in contention and manager Mark Robins must decide on whether to recall him to the starting line-up or stick Conor Townsend, on loan from Hull, at left-back.

Skipper Neal Bishop is pushing for a place in the starting XI after returning to the bench following suspension in last week's defeat at Crewe, while Luke Daniels will continue in goal as both Sam Slocombe and James Severn are recovering from broken arms.

The Iron have taken only two points from their last five games and are chasing their first win in six.

Sheffield United will be without suspended defender Chris Basham, who starts a two-game ban after reaching 10 yellow cards, and boss Nigel Clough is short of cover in central defence.

Terry Kennedy (knee) is expected to be sidelined for at least another two weeks and Jay McEveley has not trained this week due to a shoulder problem, so John Brayford could partner Craig Alcock at the heart of defence.

Midfielder Stefan Scougall (knee), winger Ryan Flynn (hamstring), goalkeeper Mark Howard (back) and striker Michael Higdon (hamstring) all remain sidelined and Jason Holt is not yet ready to return.

The Blades, who last won at Scunthorpe in 1959, are bidding to avoid a third straight defeat.