Hull City, surprisingly for me, have not managed to produce enough winning performances at the KC Stadium this season. Relegation from the Premier League has clearly had an adverse effect both on and off the pitch there. I thought the KC would be something of a fortress this season but that is not yet the case.
During their match at Barnsley on Saturday I thought Hull City showed signs of a change in form, but in contrast the results suggest that Scunthorpe United will be confident that they can gain all three points. Anything other than a victory would see Hull City looking closer over their shoulders at the bottom three.
"I have been impressed with how well Ian Baraclough has taken to management. He talks very well and has a very good understanding of the players there"
Scunthorpe too are struggling to find their best form at home so far this season. Last season's form at Glanford Park was a massive reason for their survival. The recent away form has been vital for them this season, with their last two away games bringing great wins at Watford and Preston.
Ian Baraclough has strung enough good results together to be four points away from the relegation zone. I’m sure if Scunthorpe United finished in this position come the summer then everybody connected to them would be pleased.
I have been impressed with how well he has taken to management after replacing Nigel Adkins. He talks very well and has a very good understanding of the players there, which has allowed him to spot weaknesses early on and act on it by bringing in the recent batch of loan players like Kevin McDonald and Freddie Sears.
The influence of Steve Parkin, the club's first-team coach, can only help Scunthorpe United in their endeavours too. His knowledge of Hull City will provide an added benefit to the cause on Saturday.
So the form guide would make Scunthorpe United slight favourites given their recent away form and Hull City’s home form, but a derby match, at any level, always throws the form guide out of the window. I have played in this fixture for both teams and the atmosphere, wherever it was played, was always one to remember.
Jamie Forrester played in 121 competitive games for Scunthorpe United between March 1997 and June 1999, scoring 43 goals and helping the Iron win promotion from Division Three. He spent 18 years as a professional footballer, playing in France and Holland as well as in the English leagues. His Beh1ndthescences blog and Twitter pages offer an insight into life as a professional player, he also runs an energy saving company and is a regular expert summariser on BBC Radio Humberside.