On Saturday afternoon, Stevenage will kick off their pre-season marketing campaign by internet hosting Watford at Broadhall Manner. This pleasant fixture marks a big alternative for each groups to fine-tune their methods forward of the upcoming season.
Whereas Stevenage, a League One facet, begins their preparations, Watford, a Championship outfit, has already participated in two exhibition video games this month.
Staff Type
Stevenage
Stevenage, below the brand new administration of Alex Revell, confronted a delay in beginning their pre-season on account of surprising pitch refurbishment.
Revell, who took over in Might following the exit of Steve Evans, goals to guide the group to a stronger end than their ninth-place consequence final season.
Regardless of lacking out on the playoffs by 5 factors, Stevenage has proven potential and can look to construct on their strengths.
Watford
Watford, led by new everlasting head coach Tom Cleverley, can be in a transition interval.
After ending fifteenth within the Championship final season, the Hornets are keen to enhance.
Their pre-season started with a 2-0 defeat to Studying, adopted by a slim victory over Boreham Wooden.
Cleverley’s squad continues to be discovering its rhythm, with important squad rotations noticed throughout these matches.
Staff Information
Stevenage
Stevenage has been energetic within the switch market, bringing in Daniel Phillips, Dan Kemp, Louis Appere, and Lewis Freestone.
All 4 are anticipated to function within the pleasant in opposition to Watford. The group has additionally seen the departure of a number of gamers, together with Theo Alexandrou, Harry Anderson, Kane Hemmings, and Alex MacDonald.
Watford
Watford’s latest pleasant in opposition to Boreham Wooden noticed 21 gamers take the sphere, with Antonio Tikvic enjoying the total 90 minutes.
The membership’s notable summer time signing, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko, provides important expertise to the squad.
Nonetheless, key gamers like Ryan Porteous and Giorgi Chakvetadze are nonetheless on vacation after Euro 2024, and Yaser Asprilla is engaged within the Copa America.
Predicted Lineups
Stevenage: Ashby-Hammond; Piergianni, Vancooten, N. Thompson; Smith, Freeman, Phillips, Roberts; Kemp; Appere, Pressley
Watford: Bachmann; Abbott, Hoedt, Pollock; Andrews, Louza, Kayembe, Sema; Ince, Bayo, Baah
Prediction
Whereas Stevenage may have more energizing legs, Watford’s increased league expertise might give them an edge.
Regardless of the Hornets not but clicking into full gear this pre-season, their squad depth could assist them safe a slim win.
Subsequently, our prediction for this pleasant is Stevenage 0-1 Watford.
