Swindon Town return to the bottom tier of English football after a disastrous campaign in Sky Bet League One, their season was hindered by various off the pitch issues, mainly revolving around previous owner Lee Power.
However, Swindon are entering their new campaign with positivity and hope as a new era beckons at the club.
Australian businessman Clem Morfuni acquired full ownership of the club in July, and since coming through the door, fans have been ecstatic to 'have their club back' after a comedic eight year reign with the previous regime.
Their journey begins with Head Coach Ben Garner and his squad travelling to The Sands Venue Stadium, where they face Neil Cox's Scunthorpe United.
The Irons also endured a disappointing previous campaign, finishing 22nd in Sky Bet League Two, narrowly avoiding the drop.
Cox has stated that he is trying to incorporate a more expansive style of play into his team, in his hopes to rectify last season’s woes.
Team news
Scunthorpe:
Cox will make a decision on Friday as to whether to risk Harry Davis, who has a head injury, whilst Manny Onariase and George Taft could be handed starts, both are capable replacements should Cox deem Davis not ready.
Experienced wide midfielder Harry Bunn could be handed his debut after signing following a successful trial in July.
Swindon:
Midfielder Jordan Lyden is a doubt for the away side after being sidelined with a muscle injury in recent weeks.
Defender Akin Odimayo may also not be able to return in time for Saturday after contracting COVID-19, therefore going into self isolation.
Predicted lineups
Scunthorpe (4-4-2): Bilson, O'Malley, Taft, Onariase, Rowe, Bunn, Beestin, Kenyon, Green, O'Neill, Loft.
Swindon (3-4-2-1): Wollacott, Crichlow, Baudry, Conroy, Kesler, Reed, Grant, Iandolo, Gladwin, Payne, Simpson.
Ones to watch
Scunthorpe: George Loft
Perhaps not so much a threat for his goalscoring, but the six-foot-three forward could provide a physical threat for the away side on Saturday.
The forward will be looking to bully Swindon's defence, especially taking to account how youthful Ben Garner's side is.
A potential match up for Loft could be young loanee Romoney Crichlow, who will be wanting to impress on his debut for his new club.
A three at the back system, which is expected to be deployed by Garner, could potentially null the threat of the dominant striker, with the potential of two defenders marking Loft for any lofted balls directed for him
Swindon: Jack Payne
Swindon fans were in disbelief when the news broke out that Jack Payne would be staying with them for their upcoming League Two campaign.
It is safe to say that the talented playmaker should not be plying his trade in this division.
With a relegation clause in his contract following last season, many teams were interested in taking his talents, however the midfielder has decided to stay loyal to the Robins.
Payne is more than likely to cause havoc to most teams’ backlines this season, including tomorrows opponents.
Neil Cox will surely be instructing his players to watch the star-man closely and will try to prevent him from running riot at his team.
How to watch
With fans back in the stadiums, 15:00 kick-off games on a Saturday can not be watched on iFollow by those in the UK, although for those outside of the UK, match passes can be purchased through either club website.