Scunthorpe United will compete in a true six-pointer on Saturday when they host Carlisle United, who are also fighting to survive against relegation this season.

The Iron are currently sitting 23rd in the league, but there is only goal difference separating these two teams right now, placing huge pressure onto this fixture for both of them.

Match preview

It has been a tough season for Scunthorpe United so far, having only won three of their 22 games so far in League Two, which is why they find themselves 23rd in the table.

Despite that, the Iron are level on points with their opponents at the weekend, with a win being enough to take them out of the bottom two, which would be an ideal way to start 2022.

Even though the team have struggled so far, they actually head into this game in good form as they have not lost in their previous five outings.

Scunthorpe drew four matches in a row before picking up three points on Boxing Day, with Keith Hill having made an impact since taking charge of the club in November.

Ryan Loft was able to score a brace in that match, while Myles Hippolyte also found the back of the net as the Iron won 3-1, which is a run they shall be hoping to extend at the weekend.

Much like their opponents on Saturday, Carlisle United also won their last outing; however, that match took place on December 11, with COVID-19 having led to postponements since then.

This will bring positives and negatives for the team, who should certainly be fit, but could be lacking match sharpness after such a long break.

However, they were able to defeat Stevenage in their most recent game, keeping a clean sheet in the process as goals from Jon Mellish and Jordan Gibson secured the 2-0 result.

It marked only their fourth win of the season, but it has been enough to keep them above the relegation zone since that point, and they will now be hoping to climb further up the table at the weekend.

Another win could take Carlisle as high as 19th, depending on other results, and considering they have at least a game in hand on the teams below them, this would be a huge advantage in their fight for survival.

Team News

After scoring a brace from the bench on Boxing Day, Loft will be hoping he has done enough to earn a place in the starting lineup this time out, with the forward hoping to add to his goals.

However, one player they will be without is Harry Baker as the youngster recently joined Pickering Town on a month-long loan deal in order to gain game time.

Devarn Green, Harry Bunn and Hayden Hackney were all brought into the Iron team for their recent victory, and considering the positive performance, they will all be in contention to start once more.

Having not played since December 11, Carlisle United will be the fresher of the two teams, and that could play as an advantage for them on the day.

Zach Clough has been a long-term injury problem for Keith Millen as of late, but it is unknown if the break will have provided enough time for him to get back.

Callum Guy was a boost for the team during their recent victory against Stevenage though, as he was able to compete despite a knock in the previous match.

Scunthorpe United possible starting lineup:
Watson; O'Malley, Taft, Onariase, Green; Rowe, Pugh, Hackney, Hippoplyte; Loft, Bunn

Carlisle United possible starting lineup:
Howard; Armer, McDonald, Feeney, Mellor; Devine, Guy; Gibson, Mellish, Dickenson; Fishburn

We say: Scunthorpe United 2-1 Carlisle United

Both teams have struggled so far this season and they are each in a real need to add some points if they are wanting to survive relegation.

There is no doubt that each squad will view this as a must win game, but considering the recent form Scunthorpe have displayed, they should have enough to edge things.

Previews by email