Preview: King's Lynn Town vs. Stevenage - prediction, team news, lineups

The National League North side have already defeated League Two opposition this campaign, but their opponents are currently riding high in that division.

Match preview

On the back of last season's 21st-placed finish in the fourth tier, Stevenage supporters would not have been envisaging the most positive of campaigns in 2022-23, but Steve Evans is currently spearheading one of the best seasons in their history.

Aside from a three-year spell in League One between 2011 and 2014, Stevenage have been no higher than their current division, where they currently sit second with 40 points from 19 matches.

Furthermore, wins have been recorded over Tottenham Hotspur Under-21s and Arsenal Under-21s to reach the last 16 of the EFL Trophy, and they are closing in on a rare appearance in the third round of the FA Cup.

Should Stevenage progress past King's Kynn, it will represent just the third time that they have reached that stage in the last nine attempts, and Evans will be motivated to generate extra revenue for January.

Stevenage have lost just one of their most recent 15 matches during normal time, but they only have one clean sheet to their name in their last six outings.

As far as King's Lynn are concerned, they will be looking to bounce back from their exit from the FA Trophy to Hemel Hempstead via a penalty shootout last weekend.

The National League North side went into that fixture having won seven of their previous 10 encounters in all competitions, and Tommy Widdrington will be eager to get his team back on track.

Sitting in second spot with two games in hand on the league leaders, Widdrington will be confident of pulling off a shock, optimism which will also stem from their success in the previous round.

After negotiating ties with Bedford Town, Kettering Town and Ashington AFC, a late goal from Gold Omotayo secured a 1-0 victory away at Doncaster Rovers.

King's Lynn Town FA Cup form:

King's Lynn Town form (all competitions):

Stevenage FA Cup form:

W

Stevenage form (all competitions):

D

W

L

W

D

W

Team News

Ben Stephens could be a fitness doubt for King's Lynn after picking up a knock against Hemel Hempstead last weekend.

However, with the home side only not winning that fixture courtesy of a last-gasp 96th-minute equaliser from the opposition goalkeeper, Widdrington may be prepared to retain the majority of the starting lineup.

Ken Charles scored on his return from a loan spell at Cheshunt and should retain his place in the final third.

Having made widespread changes for the game with Arsenal Under-21s, Evans could revert to the team which begun the contest with Grimsby Town last weekend.

Although David Amoo was among the goalscorers in the midweek encounter, it was his first strike of the campaign, and the 31-year-old will likely remain among the replacements.

King's Lynn Town possible starting lineup:

P.Jones; A.Jones, Scott, Coulson, Crowther, Clunan, Barrett, Charles, Omotayo, Hargreaves, Stephens

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; Wildin, Sweeney, Piergiani, Earley, Clark; Reeves, Vancooten, Gilbey; Norris, Rose

We say: King's Lynn Town 0-2 Stevenage

Despite their indifferent form, King's Lynn have already proven this campaign that they are capable of causing a surprise. Nevertheless, we cannot back against the visitors, who we expect to produce a professional performance which will be good enough to seal their place in round three.

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