Dowie has just five fit professionals to choose from, and with six youth team players bolstering the squad is considering a surprise return to action in order to name a full side.
David Eyres (knee), Dean Holden (thigh), David Beherall (knee), Michael Clegg (back), Will Haining (ankle) and Chris Killen (foot) are all ruled out.
John Sheridan is also borderline, while loan signing Ndiwa Kangana is not eligible to play after Premiership Bolton Wanderers refused to allow him to become cup-tied.
John Eyre, a player whom Iron manager Brian Laws had considered a move for, is certain to be in the starting lineup.
In stark contrast to Dowie, Laws has a full squad to pick from, and must fancy his chances of creating an upset.
He is unlikely to make any changes from the side which narrowly lost out to Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
The match kicks off at 7.30 pm.
