Preview: Northampton Town vs. Stevenage - prediction, team news, lineups

There was just two points between them in the league last year as they earned automatic promotions, but now each will be aiming to settle into the new division with three points.

Match preview

Northampton Town had to settle for third place last season due to the fact that Stevenage ended up finishing above them, and that is something they will be looking to avenge this weekend.

The Cobblers still had an impressive campaign to earn promotion, and pre-season has been positive as well with two defeats, a draw, and two victories across the summer months.

Jon Brady will want to see his team take that level of confidence into the opening game as Northampton Town aim for the best possible start to life in League One.

Competing against familiar opposition could be beneficial for the hosts, but that is something that both teams will experience and therefore does not provide much advantage in this one.

However, Northampton Town did get the best of their opponents last season with a victory and a draw, which could give them some confidence on Saturday.

Stevenage should be bringing the same level of excitement and anticipation this weekend, setting up for an enthralling opening day game for the travelling supporters.

Much like their opponents, Boro have had a got a good pre-season campaign under their belt, continuing the impressive end to the season that they experienced in League One.

Steve Evans is a manager who brings tons of experience with him which is something he should be flexing, and that could prove to be vital to the club overall.

Stevenage have bolstered their midfield options by signing the likes of Harry Anderson, Louis Thompson and Nick Freeman so far, all of which will add further depth to the squad.

Boro were weaker away from home last season though, losing more games and considerably scoring fewer goals which is something they will be wary of for their League One journey.

Northampton Town form (all competitions):

Stevenage form (all competitions):

Team News

Northampton Town welcomed back club captain Jon Guthrie in their final pre-season match following a hamstring injury, but considering his lack of minutes this summer there are question marks on if he can start after only playing 45 minutes.

Tyreece Simpson and Marc Leonard both joined the club on loan this summer and were also able to feature in their victory against MK Dons, putting them into contention this weekend.

There had been concern due to the fact that Shaun McWilliams and Sam Hoskins missed out on the win against MK Dons, but that was simply done for fitness purposes and both should be available.

However, Brady did admit he thinks his team is still three to four weeks away from being completely fit, which is a cause for concern heading into the start of the season.

Evans bolstered his squad recently by bringing in both Finley Burns and Aaron Pressley, adding quality to both the attacking and defensive sides of the team.

Taye Ashby-Hammond will be hoping to continue his impressive performances in goal after doing a good enough job on loan last season that the club brought him in permanently this summer.

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Burge; Lintott, Sherring, Dyche, Haynes; Mcwilliams, Leonard; Hoskins, Pinnock, Simpson; Hoskins

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; Piergianni, James-Wildin, Thompson; Butler, Smith, Forster-Caskey, Freeman, Thompson;March, Roberts

We say: Northampton Town 1-1 Stevenage

The opening day is always a nervy fixture for teams because while they want to set the tone for the season, it is also important to try and avoid a heavy defeat.

This can often lead to a cautious performance and considering both teams know each other well from League Two, a draw would not be a surprise.

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