Preview: Scunthorpe United v Oldham Athletic

Last updated : 10 August 2010 By Iron-Bru

Overview
Scunthorpe are buoyed by Saturday's victory against Reading in the Championship and will want another win to build momentum. They are favourites against a side from the division below them, but while victory may secure vital revenue to put towards team strengthening it is low in priority compared to Saturday's visit of Norwich CIty in the league.

Iron team news
Sam Slocombe will start in goal as Joe Murphy is with the Republic of Ireland for Wednesday's friendly against Argentina in Dublin. Eddie Nolan, the defender, is also absent as he is with the Ireland U21 side that take on Estonia at the same time. David Mirfin (shoulder) is out, with Michael Raynes expected to replace him in the line-up. Cliff Byrne (hip) should return.

Oldham team news
The Latics must also make a minimum of three changes, with Warren Feeny with the Northern Ireland squad. Rueben Hazell (Achilles) and Oumare Tounkare (hamstring) will sit out the match.

Oldham in profile
Established: 1895
Nickname: Latics
Historical achievements: Were founder members of the Premier League, but were relegated out of the top flight in 1994 and then into Division Two in 1997. They have been through managers i quick succession since then, with Paul Dickov appointed this summer.
Manager: Paul Dickov

Stats and figures
Scunthorpe opened their season with a 2-1 win at Reading on Saturday, with Garry Thompson and Rob Jones have the distinction of being the Iron's top scorers as a result. Oldham also head into the match on the back of a 2-1 away win. Dale Stephens scored both their goals at Tranmere Rovers.

Past meetings
Historically the home side have come out best in meetings between the two sides. With home advantage the Iron have won eight, lost two and drawn nine of their games against the Latics.

Away suppporters are hosted in the South Stand, with entrance through turnstile gates nine and 10. A shuttle bus service is provided between Reading Central railway station and the stadium.
Iron supporters can pay on the gate for the terrace at £12 for adults, £8 concessions and £5 for U16s. Tickets for the seated stands must be purchased from the ticket office before kick-off, at costs of £15, £8 and £5.

Referee
Steve Rushton (Staffordshire)

Betting
Scunthorpe 3/4 / Draw 5/2 / Scunthorpe 10/3 (after 90 minutes, Paddy Power)

Elsewhere in the Carling Cup
The highlight of the first-round is Chesterfield's hosting of Middlesbrough, a repeat of the famous 1997 FA Cup semi-final when the Spireites almost defeated the then-Premier League side. Several Championship sides face tricky trips to lower division teams, Watford, Nottingham Forest, Derby County, Coventry City, Bristol City, Millwall and Crystal Palace are targets for upsets. Portsmouth defeated Stevenage 2-1 on Monday night in the first game of the tournament.