THE CHALKBOARD

ONLY promoted Wigan Athletic and Burton Albion conceded less goals in League One than Scunthorpe United last season but this term, Scunthorpe United have been rampant at the other end of the pitch.

Graham Alexander’s side may not have been keeping as many clean sheets as they were in 2015-16 but they have evolved into a fearsome offensive outfit and their scorching form has hoisted them to the top of the table.

While the sensational Josh Morris has been the standout man for the Iron, goals have been shared all around Alexander’s team and they have been able to hurt opposition teams from all areas.

There have been 14 different Scunthorpe goalscorers so far during the current campaign.

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Graham Alexander

LIKELY LINE-UP

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A MAN IN FORM

EARLIER this month, Josh Morris was the leading goalscorer in Europe – it’s fair to say that his free transfer from Bradford City in the summer has worked out pretty well.

Last season, the 25-year-old scored for Bradford on the opening day of the season in a 4-1 loss to Town at the County Ground but that would prove to be his only goal for the Bantams in 16 appearances, with the winger going on to depart Valley Parade at the expiration of his contract.

Graham Alexander had previously worked with Morris during his time on loan at Fleetwood Town from Blackburn Rovers and their reunion has proved a match made in heaven.

The former England U20 international has bagged 14 goals in 18 appearances so far and will be looking to add to his stunning haul when Town visit Glandford Park.

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Josh Morris

TREATMENT ROOM

THE IRON’S first-choice right-back Jordan Clarke has been ruled out with an ankle injury since September, leaving Scunthorpe to fill that gap however they can.

One of the men that has been deputising in Clarke’s absence is Gibraltar international Scott Wiseman, who has made 11 appearances so far for Graham Alexander’s side.

However, the 31-year-old missed his team’s 3-0 win at Chesterfield last weekend with a knee problem and is set to be assessed today to determine if he’ll be fit to return to action against Town.

Should Wiseman not make it, midfielder Levi Sutton will feature on the right of Scunthorpe’s defence, just like he did against Chesterfield.

Meanwhile, striker Luke Williams won't be taking on his namesake's team.

The 23-year-old is currently sidelined and has only managed three appearances for the Iron so far this term – the former Middlesborough man last played in August.

OPPO FORM GUIDE

Sat, Oct 22 - SkyBet League One - 3-0 Win v Chesterfield (A)

Tue, Oct 18 - SkyBet League One - 2-0 loss v Oldham (A)

Sat, Oct 15 - SkyBet League One - 2-1 win v MK Dons (H)

Sat, Oct 8 - SkyBet League One - 1-1 draw v Northampton (H)

Tue, Oct 4 - EFL Trophy - 2-0 win v Shrewsbury (H)

GOALSCORERS

Josh Morris 14; Kevin Van Veen 7; Tom Hopper, Paddy Madden 3

DISCIPLINE

Jordan Clarke 4Y, 1R; Kevin Van Veen 5Y

THE STAT

SCUNTHORPE’s 6-0 drubbing of Town last season was their highest winning margin in this fixture – the two teams have met 25 times.