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

Stevenage play host to Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon looking to extend their winning streak in League One this season to three matches.

While the home side sit in fifth place in the table, Northampton are down in 18th position having failed to prevail from either of their opening two games.

Match preview

After last season's 14th-placed finish, Stevenage will be hoping to push for the top 10 this time around, yet expectations are rising at the Lamex Stadium.

Back-to-back victories over Blackpool and Rotherham United make Stevenage one of six teams to win their opening two matches in League One.

After coming from behind to overcome Blackpool by a 3-2 scoreline at Bloomfield, a 1-0 win was posted against Rotherham as Jamie Reid scored his third goal in two league starts.

Alex Revell made wholesale changes for the EFL Cup tie at Championship side Charlton Athletic, Stevenage ultimately going down by a 3-1 scoreline.

Nevertheless, with his key players rested and squad members having gotten minutes in their legs, Revell's crop appear in ideal shape to make it three league victories in succession.

Meanwhile, Northampton have only recorded one point from their opening two games with Kevin Nolan having overseen a wide array of incomings and outgoings during the summer transfer window.

That point came from a goalless draw against an in-form Bradford City side who have otherwise defeated Wycombe Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, suggesting that Northampton are heading in the right direction.

On Tuesday night, the Cobblers went down by a 1-0 scoreline to Southampton in the EFL Cup, a spirited effort given the quality of side that the Saints put out.

Despite that promise, however, Nolan will recognise that points on the board are required, while Northampton have also only netted once in three games across all competitions thus far.

Stevenage League One form:

W W

Stevenage form (all competitions):

W W L

Northampton Town League One form:

L D

Northampton Town form (all competitions):

L D L

Team News

Revell has named the same Stevenage XIs for both of their League One games and that is expected to continue barring any fitness issues.

The versatile Lewis Freestone got their goal at The Valley, but it is expected that he will only be selected on the substitutes' bench at best.

While Jovan Malcolm is a recent addition from Gateshead, the forward will also remain among the replacements.

Terry Taylor will be considered for a starting role in the Northampton midfield, but he is likely to have to wait for his full debut.

Despite failing to net in his opening three appearances, Manchester United loanee Ethan Wheatley is likely to retain his spot in the frontline.

Stevenage possible starting lineup:

Marschall; James-Wildin, Goode, Piergianni, Butler; Houghton, White; Roberts, Kemp, Campbell; Reid

Northampton Town possible starting lineup:

Burge; Burroughs, McCarthy, Thorniley, Forbes, Hoskins; McGeehan, Campbell, Fornah; List, Wheatley

We say: Stevenage 2-1 Northampton Town

Northampton have endured a tough start to the campaign, albeit arguably doing themselves justice against better opponents. However, we can only back Stevenage to come through this fixture, potentially by the odd goal in three.

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