Scunthorpe v MK Dons preview
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Coca-Cola Football League OnePlay-Off Semi-Final 8th May 2009 KO 19:45 Ground: Glanford Park Match Facts Preview Live Commentary Scunthorpe v MK Dons preview
The League One play-offs get underway with the Iron facing the Dons
Last updated: 8th May 2009
Adkins: Needs to rally his troops
Scunthorpe will be all too aware of the importance of taking something from the first leg of their play-off clash with in-form MK Dons.
The Iron finished their League One campaign in disappointing fashion, taking only one win from five, and crept into the top six by the narrowest of margins.
In contrast, the Dons were flying by the end of the campaign, with six wins in seven outings seeing them fall narrowly short in their quest to secure automatic promotion.
Honours were shared between the clubs in their two meetings during the regular season, with each side tasting success on the road.
Scunthorpe team news
Left-back Joseph Mills is a doubt for Scunthorpe ahead of the crunch clash.
Mills came off at half-time of the 1-1 draw with Tranmere last weekend with an ankle injury and has been on crutches this week.
Andrew Wright came on against Tranmere in his place and is on standby to start despite recovering from a facial injury.
Marcus Williams missed the match last weekend through illness but could return while goalkeeper Joe Murphy is another doubt.
Murphy, who was named in the PFA League One team of the year, has missed the last two games with a groin injury but could return.
David Mirfin is fit after X-rays confirmed he had not broken a metatarsal in his foot but Kenny Milne and Henry Lansbury (both knee) do miss out.
Dons team news
MK Dons are set to be without defender Sean O'Hanlon for the trip to Glanford Park.
O'Hanlon missed the final two games of the regular season after picking up a knee injury against Walsall and while he is back in training he is expected to miss out.
His absence is a big loss for manager Roberto Di Matteo and means utility man Jude Stirling will have to fill in alongside Miguel Angel Llera in the centre of defence.
Winger Jason Puncheon missed the 1-0 win at Hereford last weekend with a slight ankle problem but is fit enough to return while top scorer Aaron Wilbraham should also star.
Wilbraham was rested for the trip to face the already relegated Bulls but will lead the line alongside Sam Baldock.
Fellow forward Ali Gerba is likely to again miss out thanks to his knee injury.
Defender Danny Swailes has stepped up his training after a serious Achilles injury, but pre-season is his target.