Scunthorpe defender David Mirfin is set to miss out with a thigh injury, while fellow centre-back Michael Raynes is struggling to recover from illness.Michael Nelson should make his debut following his arrival from Norwich, but Abdisalam Ibrahim is suspended and keeper Joe Murphy (ankle) is still out.
Hull defender Liam Rosenior is a doubt, having been stretchered off after a collision in the draw against Leeds.
James Harper is also unlikely to play because of a foot problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
The fortunes of these Humber rivals have been very different since Michael O'Connor's 89th-minute winner gave Scunthorpe a victory at Hull in November. O'Connor himself has been sidelined by a knee ligament injury.
That was one of six away wins for Scunthorpe this season, but their dreadful home form has been a big factor in their slide down the table. United are one off the bottom and have the worst home record in the division. They have won only once at Glanford Park, where they have suffered six consecutive defeats.
United have lost nine of their last 11 Championship matches, whereas since that defeat at the KC Stadium, Hull have lost only once in the league. City are also unbeaten in nine away matches - an ominous sign for Ian Baraclough's men given their problems at home.
The first goal on Saturday could be all-important. Scunthorpe have lost all 14 games this term in which they have conceded the opening goal, while Hull are yet to win after the conceding the opener and yet to lose after scoring first.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Scunthorpe and Hull have each won 13 of the 33 previous league matches between these clubs.
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• A victory for Scunthorpe would complete their fourth league double over City, and first since the 2001/02 campaign, when both clubs were in the bottom division.
Scunthorpe
• A defeat for The Iron would be the club's 1,000th in the league.
• United have taken only one point from the last possible 15.
• Ian Baraclough's side have picked up 12 more points away than at home this season.
• Andy Hughes is in line for his 500th league appearance.
Hull
• Hull are unbeaten in five league matches, although they have drawn their last three.
• A victory for City would be the club's 500th away league win.
• Tigers boss Nigel Pearson has used 34 players in the Championship this term - more than any other manager.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport