First team manager Neil Cox has reaffirmed that it’s down to his side to approach their latest fixture in the right manner.
The United boss takes his side to Bradford City for their final away game of the campaign on Saturday (3pm kick-off) knowing that safety in Sky Bet League Two will be mathematically secured with at least a point.
“We focus on the Bradford game, what we need to do and don’t worry about anyone else, or what they’re doing,” he said, talking to iFollow Iron.
“It’s about us staying together, sticking together and organising ourselves to get something out of the game."
Both teams come into the encounter off the back of five straight defeats, but with the Bantams sitting in 14th and in no danger of going up nor down, it is the Iron who do have something to play for going into the game.
Scunthorpe’s last win came in the reverse fixture at the Sands Venue Stadium on March 23rd when goals from Abo Eisa and Devarn Green sealed a 2-0 win.
“They’re in similar form to us, and they’re probably looking forward to the end of the season,” he continued.
“We’re still in fighting and we need a result; they don’t. Are they going to be relaxed about it? I’m not too sure, and it’s not for me to worry about. It’s about the 11 I put out on that pitch and making sure they work their socks off to get something out of the game.
“It (the reverse fixture) was an end-to-end game, with both teams having a few chances on the night. We scored two good goals. I’m expecting a similar game. They’re going to come out and play because they’ve lost their last five games, and they will want to win their last home game.”
United are set to be without forward players Ryan Loft and John McAtee for the game, as they were forced to travel back from Newport in a taxi after reporting illness while in Wales.
“Lofty and McAtee are both ill,” he stated.
“Lofty was ill before the game and managed to get through an hour. They’ve got a bit of a bug, nothing to do with COVID. They didn’t travel back with us on the coach to keep them away from the rest of the lads.
“Those two will probably be doubts, and the rest who are out, are still out - nobody will be coming back from injury. Myles (Hippolyte) and Pughy (Tom Pugh) will come back into the squad.
“We will have a look tomorrow. We get our work done, our preparation done, get through the COVID testing, and then we organise what side we go with. On Saturday at 3pm, our mental strength has to be up there, and it will be."
Meanwhile, Kevin van Veen had taken a whack on his knee in midweek after coming off the bench but looks set to be available for the penultimate game of the campaign.
“Kev’s fine, and trained today (Thursday),” he added.
“He’s been on good form today, and he’s raring to go which is good. There are a few boys who are raring to go, who have let themselves down and have let everyone else down.
“It’s about Saturday at 3pm. We will keep them relaxed until then, but from then we have to come out all guns blazing.”
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