Scunthorpe United manager Graham Alexander says each game his players go out to play is big, and that’s no different on Saturday, when they face Bury at Gigg Lane.
Alexander is keen not to place any extra weight on the match against the Shakers though, despite them both occupying the top two positions in the division.
Speaking to The Iron PlayerHD, Alexander said: “I think it’s not just a big game for us and Bury, it is for the outside world too, because they’ll be looking at it as the top two teams in the division going head to head.
“It’s a big game in League One, but like I’ve said before, if you’re at the top of the league every game is a big game, and hopefully we can take our A-game.
“Because when we do that you’ve seen the ability the players have got, the motivation, the team ethic, and when we have all that we’re a very good team. However, we know Bury are a good team as well and they’re up there for a reason - so it’s looking to be a competitive game.
Touching on the mood in the United camp in the lead up to the weekend’s encounter, Alexander says the squad are in good spirits, following Tuesday’s 4-1 win away at Walsall.
“There’s lots of noise, lots of smiling, and the usual sort of banter going about, because the players are in a good place,” he explained.
“It was a fantastic performance the other night. The energy levels were though the roof, the football we played and the pressing was top notch. It was a great, all-round away performance, and to win 4-1 away at Walsall is a great way to win three points.
Glanford Park has been somewhat of a fortress since the United boss took over, but that’s been matched this season by the results which have been picked up on the road. However, It’s not a statistic which comes as much of a surprise to Alexander.
He stated: “We don’t really change anything whether it’s home or away.
“We don’t change anything at all actually, the training is the same, the way we prepare, the way we talk to the players about the gameplan and what we want from the game, and it’s always to go out there and try to win the game.
“Which is why the away record almost mirrors the home record. I don’t see any difference, it’s still two goals, one ball, and 22 players - regardless of what’s around it.”
Alexander had mixed news on the injury front, with him revealing that both Jordan Clarke and Luke Williams are expected to miss the trip, but said that’s it as far as omissions go.
“Jordan’s struggling. He got an ankle knock, but we’re still waiting for it to settle down, so he’ll be very doubtful for Saturday,” he revealed.
“The only other one is Luke Williams, who we’re still waiting on to come back. Apart from that, everyone else is in good form physically, and they have to prepare right for Saturday, because it’ll be a tough game physically as well.”
See much more from Graham Alexander, Murray Wallace and Sam Mantom on The Iron PlayerHD.