Scunthorpe United -Vs- City

Following three successive draws, City look to get back to winning ways with a visit to our Humber neighbours.

Nigel Pearson`s side will travel to Glanford Park this afternoon, seeking to avenge a 1-0 loss at the KC Stadium earlier in the season.

The two sides have suffered contrasting fortunes since that fixture. At the time, Scunthorpe were ahead of The Tigers but poor home form coupled with a loss of confidence on the road has seen today`s opponents plummet to 23rd while City have slowly lifted themselves into play-off contention.

Vital Quotes:

Assistant Manager Craig Shakespeare is confident that, if the team continues to play as it did against QPR and Leeds United, the victories will start to come.

Shakespeare is confident that, with a strong away backing, The Tigers can capitalise on Scunthorpe`s home form to head back over the bridge with an important victory.

Shakespeare`s pre-match comments can be read in full here.

Scunthorpe United Team News:

Ian Barraclough has problems in defence with David Mirfin (thigh) and Michael Raynes (illness) both doubtful and unlikely to feature. The home side could hand a debut to former City transfer target Michael Nelson, who signed on transfer deadline day.

Joe Murphy is also sidelined for today`s hosts, while on-loan Abdi Ibrahim is suspended after the Manchester City picked was sent-off against Middlesbrough in midweek.

Striker Joe Garner will make his home debut after joining on-loan from Nottingham Forest on Monday.

Player to watch: Joe Garner

The Forest striker was signed to add an extra dimension in attack. Garner will be looking to impress on his home debut for the club and could be a threat if not treated with care.

Hull City Team News:

City are to be without the services of Liam Rosenior and James Harper after both picked up injuries against Leeds United.

Rosenior is likely to be replaced by Paul McShane with Nobby Solano lacking match fitness after a short injury lay-off.

In central midfield, Nigel Pearson has decisions to make as to who will partner Corry Evans. Robert Koren, Tijani Belaid and Tom Cairney are the manager`s options for a crucial npower Championship fixture.

Player to watch: Aaron Mclean

Despite the early miss, his performance against Leeds United was arguably his best since joining from Peterborough United in January. Although yet to score, the striker has assisted others and formed a good relationship with Matty Fryatt. A goal is surely only just around the corner, and what better way than to find the net this afternoon?

Match Facts & Stats

Scunthorpe will be seeking to avoid the 1,000th defeat in the league while a City win would be their 500th away league win.

Scunthorpe hold bragging rights at present after a 90th minute winner at the KC, but they have struggled for form at Glanford Park having not picked up maximum points since August.

City have improved as the season has progressed, being unbeaten in their last five although recent draws have increased the pressure to win today.

Vital Hull Prediction: Scunthorpe 0 – 2 City