Manager Stuart McCall expects an ‘open, attacking encounter’ when the Iron host Peterborough United on Saturday.
Scunthorpe come into the game looking to bounce back from last weekend’s 3-2 loss to Luton, while the second-placed Posh will also be seeking a response following their 4-0 home loss to Barnsley last weekend.
McCall told iFollow Iron: “They had a big turnover of players in the summer, and have had a really good start. They’re similar to us in that they’re an attack-minded side, and there have been a lot of goals scored for and against in their recent games. I’m really looking forward to it because it will be end-to-end and I’m confident we’ll score goals.
“They have enough armoury up front to always be a threat. They have some good quality players, but we do too.
“We always know about the opponents naturally but I always think at home we have to take the game to them, we have to be careful we keep the back door shut, but we want force the game, get crosses in and shots on goal, win corners and free-kicks and get the crowd behind us. That’s what we’ll be aiming to do.
“Going forward, I’ve been really pleased with what we’ve done recently. Even looking at Tuesday night (in the Checkatrade Trophy against Lincoln City), we had a lot of good opportunities. We look to build on that.
“We know we have to do better defensively, there’s no doubt about that as we’re giving too many opportunities away, but that’s not just the defence but the team in general. On the other hand, we’re always capable of scoring goals and look a threat.
“There are certain areas where we need to do things better, and concentration levels are a big factor, as is focus and organisation.”
In terms of team news, McCall says there are no fresh worries. He also provided an update on on-loan striker Ike Ugbo (hamstring) and midfielder James Horsfield (groin), who have missed out after picking up injuries in the recent away game at Burton Albion.
The boss said: “Ike is due back up with us in the middle of next week and is doing work out on the grass. He was going to be four weeks but he might be slightly ahead of that, and James is back on the grass running pain free now so we’d like to think he’ll be back with us in the early part of next week.”
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