Scunthorpe United host Notts County in the National League on Saturday afternoon as they look to improve their woeful form of late as the festive season approaches.
United have lost five consecutive games in the fifth tier, whereas Notts County are enjoying life in the upper reaches of the table and could go first with a win on their travels this weekend.
Match preview
Scunthorpe are in a serious battle to maintain their fifth-tier status this season after a difficult start to life in non-league following relegation from League Two last campaign.
United are 23rd in the National League standings, having collected a mere 15 points from 21 matches so far, a tally that leaves them six points from safety heading into this weekend's round of fixtures.
Just over a decade ago Scunthorpe were plying their trade in the Championship amongst some of England's most historic clubs, but now are in a tussle with the likes of Maidstone United and Gateshead to avoid playing regional football next season.
Wealdstone were the latest team to benefit from the Irons' poor form as they took all three points off Michael Nelson's men last weekend by winning 3-1, a scoreline which means Scunthorpe have now conceded two or more goals in five consecutive matches.
Notts County are in a whole different space as a football club, with their side currently battling at the top of the National League as they hope to regain their Football League status for the first time since the 2018-19 season.
An impressive seven-game unbeaten run which stretches back to October has certainly boosted their promotion push, with County now in second place and just a point behind league leaders Wrexham heading into the final month of 2022.
The goals of Macaulay Langstaff have been a constant since the campaign began in August, with the 25-year-old netting 18 times in 20 National League appearances, a record that sees him four ahead of Wrexham's Paul Mullin in the league's scoring charts.
Luke Williams's men have been effective travellers so far this season, losing just once in 10 outings and collecting 21 points, more than any other side in the division - something Scunthorpe fans will not want to hear ahead of Saturday.
Team News
Scunthorpe's Rob Apter is a doubt for this weekend after missing his team's defeat at Wealdstone last weekend, an injury issue which saw Joe Nuttall included in the starting XI.
Nuttall is the Irons' top scorer so far this campaign and will need to make good use of the limited amount of chances he will get against promotion-chasing Notts County to give his side any hope of earning a shock victory.
Notts County supporters spotted defender Connell Rawlinson visiting hospital in the week, with boss Williams confirming the player had suffered a calf knock in a training-ground collision, meaning it is highly doubtful the 31-year-old will be part of the action this weekend.
Star man Langstaff is set to lead the line again for County, with the striker looking to add to his 18 league goals against a Scunthorpe side who have been conceding plenty of goals recently.
Scunthorpe United possible starting lineup:
Dewhurst; O'Malley, Boyce, Beestin; Nuttall, Carver, Lavery, Taft, Butterfield; Gallimore, Pugh
Notts County possible starting lineup:
Slocombe; Chicksen, Baldwin, Cameron, Adebayo-Rowling; Palmer, Austin, Scott, Brindley; Langstaff, Rodrigues
We say: Scunthorpe United 0-3 Notts County
Notts County have had a two-week break heading into this weekend so should be fully rested and ready to give a good performance for their travelling supporters.
Scunthorpe have been forced to make a change in management in the week and that combined with an in-form Notts County side coming to town means Saturday's game is likely to end in a sixth straight defeat.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Carter White
