United head down to The Valley preparing for a second tier game for the first time in more than 40 years, and couldn't have asked for a harder task.
They will face an Addicks side full of internationals, and packed with experience from their time in the Premiership.
But it is precisley the size of this task which plays into the Iron's hands. No-one outside of North Lincolnshire expects anything other than a home win.
And Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins has got his players ready to prove the doubters wrong.
"There will be periods when we are under pressure and we will have to be resolute in defence," he admitted to the Scunthorpe Telegraph.
"But we go there with a game plan and a freedom to try and win the game.
"There is no expectation on us - all the pressure is on Charlton. They are expected to win and win well."