Reply To: Next Week

[Gurnelista]

Tarot cards? He could do worse than use modern, up-to-date methods like asking ChatGPT. I asked:

“What would be Scunthorpe United’s best team for this Saturday at Eastleigh?”

And the cyber guru came up with the following:

“Yes. I’ve checked the latest 2026/27 team news and results, and Scunthorpe’s next match is Eastleigh away on Saturday 22 August, 12:30pm.
The key thing is that Andy Butler made nine changes for Tuesday’s 4–0 win over Stoke U21s, so I wouldn’t use that XI as the basis for Saturday. The previous Saturday against Southend gives us a much better indication of his preferred league side.

My best XI for Eastleigh
4-3-3

Louis Jones

Ross Barrows Callum Howe Will Evans Branden Horton

Jordan Richards Jacob Butterfield
Alfie Beestin

Pat Jones Declan Howe James Gale

Why I’d go with this:

GK – Louis Jones
Easy choice. He started the first two league matches and was excellent despite the 1–0 defeat at Southend.

Defence – Barrows, C. Howe, Evans, Horton

I’d restore Ross Barrows at right-back after he was rested against Stoke. Will Evans should retain his place centrally, while Branden Horton has established himself at left-back after replacing the injured Tyler Denton at Southend.

The interesting decision is Callum Howe vs Jean Belehouan at centre-back. I’d slightly favour Howe for an away league game, although Belehouan is a very good alternative.

Midfield – Richards, Butterfield, Beestin
This is where I think Scunthorpe could improve considerably.
• Jacob Butterfield gives you experience and control.
• Alfie Beestin provides energy and attacking quality.
• Jordan Richards looked trusted enough to start at Southend and gives the midfield some athleticism.
Butterfield was introduced at half-time against Southend and then played in Tuesday’s cup game, so he should be ready for Saturday.

Front three – Pat Jones, Declan Howe, James Gale
This would be my preferred attacking trio.
Pat Jones is probably the most dangerous player in the squad when running at defenders. He had one of Scunthorpe’s better opportunities at Southend and was involved in their attacking threat.
Declan Howe should lead the line. He started against Southend and had a couple of opportunities, including narrowly missing a cross from Jones.
And I’d give James Gale another start. He made his first start of the season at Southend and then scored twice after coming off the bench against Stoke, which is about as strong an argument as you can make for keeping your place.

Bench
I’d probably have:
Campbell, Belehouan, Rowley, Hurst, Brennan, Parker, Barrows/Shipstone
with Kyle Hurst particularly useful as an impact substitute. He started Tuesday and contributed to the opening goal.

One big selection question:
For me, the biggest question is Butterfield vs Rowley.
If Butler wants more energy and pressing, I’d start Rowley. If he wants experience and control away from home, I’d choose Butterfield.
I’d personally go Butterfield, because Eastleigh away could be a game where Scunthorpe need someone who can slow the game down and dictate possession.

So my strongest XI is:
Jones; Barrows, C. Howe, Evans, Horton; Richards, Butterfield, Beestin; P. Jones, D. Howe, Gale.
That would be my team as things stand on Wednesday morning, rather than claiming it’s Butler’s confirmed XI. The club hasn’t yet published Saturday’s team news.”

Maybe the club should give GPT a job (other types of AI are available).