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

Fresh from a defeat in their previous outing in the division the hosts will be hoping to retain their place in the playoff positions, while the visitors are hoping to end their six-game run without a win.

Match preview

Stevenage were involved in a major game at the top of League Two last weekend against Bradford City, but they were dealt a hammer blow by losing 3-0.

It was only their second defeat of the season, but it was one that allowed the Bantams to close the gap against them in the league table.

However, Steve Evans will have been impressed by how his men responded in midweek when they faced Wycombe Wanderers in the Football League Trophy.

The Boro defeated the League One club 3-0 with summer signing Danny Rose scoring a brace, while central defender Terence Vancooten also got on the scoresheet.

Stevenage will be pushing to continue with that momentum this Saturday where a victory has the chance to see them climb into second place depending on other results.

The visitors are having a contrasting season so far, having only won two of their opening nine fixtures.

The Yorkshire-based club currently finds itself 18th in the League Two Table, and they are only four points above the relegation zone right now.

Harrogate Town should be the fitter of the two teams on Saturday due to the fact they did not play in midweek, but momentum is not behind them right now.

The Sulphurites have failed to win any of their previous six matches across all competitions, and worryingly they have also only scored once in that period.

A lack of goals has led to them struggling to pick up points throughout this campaign, but Harrogate have been slightly stronger on the road than at home.

Stevenage League Two form:

W

W

L

W

W

L

Stevenage form (all competitions):

L

W

W

W

L

W

Harrogate Town League Two form:

W

L

L

L

L

D

Harrogate Town form (all competitions):

L

L

L

L

L

D

Team News

Rose has been a consistent player for Stevenage so far this season, and his attacking qualities will be called upon once again this weekend after scoring a brace in the Football League Trophy.

Aaron Chapman is another that will likely be hoping to keep his place in the team following his midweek performance after keeping a clean sheet in goal, but the likelihood is that Taye Ashby-Hammond will regain his place.

Following a hard-fought goalless draw last weekend, there is a chance that Harrogate Town could name an unchanged starting XI in a bid to bring some consistency.

However, the lack of goals remains a concern for the Yorkshire club, and that could lead to Daniel Grant getting a start up front.

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Ashby-Hammond; Sweeney, Vancooten, Piergianni; Earley, Reeves, Gilbey, Wildin, Roberts, Norris, Rose

Harrogate Town possible starting lineup:

Jameson; Ramsay, Welch-Hayes, Mattock, Richards; Burrell, Dooley; Coley, Pattison, Folarin; Armstrong

We say: Stevenage 3-0 Harrogate Town

Harrogate Town are a team low on confidence, and struggling for goals this season, and that is not a good combination when playing Stevenage away.

The hosts have been one of the strongest sides in the division across the opening nine matches, and they will be the heavy favourites on Saturday.

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