Smith back to boost Minstermen
York skipper Chris Smith will return to contention for the home clash with Scunthorpe.
Smith's last league appearance was in early September and he missed the weekend home defeat to Fleetwood due to a combination of back, hamstring and groin niggles.
But the central defender has returned to full training this week and could be back in the starting line-up as David McGurk sustained a hamstring injury on Saturday and will be sidelined for three weeks.
Teenager Tom Allen provides an alternative option at the heart of defence for manager Nigel Worthington, who is also expected to revert to a 4-4-2 formation with Wes Fletcher joining seven-goal Ryan Jarvis up front.
Scunthorpe midfield pair Matt Sparrow and David Syers are hoping to shake off injuries in time for the trip to Bootham Crescent.
Sparrow missed the weekend win over Hartlepool due to an ankle problem sustained the previous week at Fleetwood but could return to the squad, while Syers picked up a knock late in the game on Saturday.
Striker Chris Iwelumo is expected to recover in time after turning his ankle against Hartlepool while midfielder Sean McAllister played the full 90 minutes at the weekend after overcoming a similar injury.
Midfielder Michael Collins is closing in on a return to action following knee ligament damage, defender Eddie Nolan (hamstring) and winger Andy Welsh (knee) remain sidelined.
Source: PA