Walsall vs Scunthorpe United preview - Saddlers set to be unchanged

Posted Friday, January 09, 2015 by PA

Walsall will have an unchanged squad for the game with Scunthorpe following their Johnstone's Paint Trophy area final first-leg win over Preston.

Jordan Cook returned after illness to replace James Baxendale and the Saddlers have reported no further injuries after the 2-0 victory at Deepdale.

Sam Mantom remains out with his troublesome knee problem but could return to action this month.

The midfielder, who hasn't played since November, has been restricted to four appearances this term after suffering the injury in pre-season.

Scunthorpe midfielders Isaiah Osbourne and Liam O'Neil are hoping to return to the starting line-up.

Osbourne missed Tuesday night's 2-2 draw with Chesterfield in the FA Cup through illness while O'Neil, on loan from Middlesbrough, was ineligible. Sean McAllister and Hakeeb Adelakun stepped in for the third-round tie and boss Mark Robins faces a selection dilemma.

Richard Brindley has returned to parent club Rotherham so Alex Davey, borrowed from Chelsea, is expected to continue at right-back and boosted his chances by scoring in midweek.

Centre-halves Niall Canavan and David Mirfin are in contention again, but Miguel Llera and Andrew Boyce are expected to resume at the heart of defence.