Sports Mole previews Saturday’s League One clash between Stevenage and Crawley Town, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
Stevenage play host to Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will keep them in contention with the top half of the League One table.
In sharp contrast, the visitors make the trip to the Lamex Stadium sitting six points adrift of safety despite a recent upturn in results.
Match preview
© Imago
What was turning out to be a season of encouragement for Stevenage has descended into somewhat of a damp squib in recent weeks.
Just two victories have been posted from their last 12 games, while only two points have been earned from their last five outings.
Although Alex Revell can perhaps argue that they have faced a tough fixture list, Stevenage have lost out at Leyton Orient and Stockport County over the past week without scoring a goal.
Furthermore, this is a side that have failed to win at the Lamex Stadium since February 1, albeit that being a run of just four matches with an array of games being played on their travels.
Still just 10 points clear of the relegation zone with seven fixtures left, Revell and his players cannot get complacent, yet they are realistically in a position where they can start looking ahead to next season once they get one more victory on the board.
© Imago
Meanwhile, Crawley’s decision to bring back Scott Lindsey seems to be paying off with six points being collected from his opening three matches.
However, on the back of victories over Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United without conceding a goal, Crawley could not replicate that against Peterborough.
Despite scoring three times in the opening 49 minutes, Crawley were still only on level terms and they ultimately conceded a last-gasp penalty to fall to a 4-3 defeat.
With six matches remaining, the gap to safety is at six points, yet Lindsey will take the positives from recent performances ahead of what is a favourable run-in.
That said, that will only be relevant if his team can stay within touching distance of the teams above them, and three points here has the potential to put the cat among the pigeons.
Stevenage League One form:
Crawley Town League One form:
Team News
© Imago
Revell will almost certainly tinker with his Stevenage XI, Daniel Phillips and Elliott List in line to return in midfield and attack respectively.
Dan Sweeney and Lewis Freestone may also feature for the home side as they bid to overturn their recent dismal form.
Barring any fitness issues or the temptation to freshen up his team, Lindsay could go with the same Crawley starting lineup.
Depending on how attacking Lindsey wishes to go, Kamari Doyle may potentially drop into a deeper role to bring Ade Adeyemo or Will Swan into the team.
Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Cooper; James-Wildin, Goode, Piergianni, Freestone; Thompson, King; Roberts, Kemp, Reid; List
Crawley Town possible starting lineup:
Wollacott; Barker, Mullarkey, Flint; Quitirna, Camara, Fraser, Ibrahim, Kelly; Doyle; Hepburn-Murphy
We say: Stevenage 1-1 Crawley Town
With Crawley having turned somewhat of a corner under Lindsey, they are arguably the marginal favourites for this game based on current form. Nevertheless, we feel that Stevenage still deserve respect, and a low-scoring draw could be on the cards.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
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