The Iron host Doncaster Rovers this weekend, in a mouth-watering local derby.
The South Yorkshire side arrive at Glanford Park looking to stop the Claret and Blue winning four of their last five home matches and Paul Dickov’s side have won just three times all season.They have struggled adapting to life back in Sky Bet League One, after relegation from the Championship on the final day of last season.
Many players have played for both clubs in the past - Russ Wilcox played over 80 games for Rovers before joining United from Preston two years later, going on to make over 120 appearances.
Doncaster’s current squad has some familiar faces. Their captain Rob Jones spent two years in North Lincolnshire before joining Sheff Wednesday and then Rovers in 2012.
Defender Jamie McCombe came through the youth system at United, making over 60 appearances, before leaving in 2004 and he joined Donny in 2012.
Finally, midfielder Paul Keegan made two appearances for us from the bench in the 2003/04 season, when he was on loan from Leeds United. He since joined them in 2011.
Of our current squad, only Dave Syers has played for Saturday’s visitors and you can see an exclusive interview with him in the matchday programme, where he discusses his time at the Keepmoat, as well as his injury, degree and more.
United boss Wilcox revealed he has no fresh concerns and he has the same players to choose from this weekend.
“I have no new injuries to report, we’re fine after two good days’ training,” he told The Iron Player, previewing the weekend game against his former club.
“It has not been punishment, it’s just so we’re ready, prepared and fully focused for the big derby game.”
Bobby Olejnik will continue in goal as Sam Slocombe is still weeks away from a return.
Wilcox will have a selection headache when he chooses his defence. Miguel Llera returns from suspension, while Shaun Brisley and Andrew Boyce impressed on their Iron debuts, with the latter scoring, after spending time on loan at Grimsby.
Dave Syers, David Mirfin, Eddie Nolan and Deon Burton are still sidelined, while Niall Canavan joins them on the list of absentees with a shoulder injury.
Rory Fallon could start again after scoring on his debut for United in the loss at Oldham last weekend, while Lyle Taylor could make a return to the squad after shaking off a thigh injury.
It is the 59th competitive meeting between the two clubs, with the South Yorkshire outfit coming out on top on more occasions, winning 22 times. The Iron have won 16 and drawn 20, with the most recent games coming in the 2011/12 season. Doncaster won 4-0 at the Keepmoat before Rovers left Lincolnshire 3-2 winners.
Our last win over the club was nearly eight years ago to the weekend, as we won 2-0 at Glanford Park. Goals from Billy Sharp and Andy Keogh helped us to a valuable three points before we drew on the road four months later.
Interestingly, two of our present squad members were in the Iron squad when we last won- Matt Sparrow and Marcus Williams, who both started the League One clash, and they will be in contention again this weekend.
If you can’t make it to the game, keep track of the action by tuning into the club’s official social media channels or keep an eye on events on the website, with live updates available from kick-off.
You can also see our betting preview for the game, with odds from the league’s official sponsor, Sky Bet.