Chris Holroyd set to return up front for Boro

Stevenage v Northampton Town

Lamex Stadium

Saturday, December 11

Stevenage return to league action this weekend when they welcome in-form Northampton Town to the Lamex as they hope to register their first league win since they put three past Barnet without reply on November 2.

The hosts saw last Saturday’s game against Port Vale postponed because of the weather and have had a fortnight off since they knocked AFC Wimbledon out of the FA Cup in front of the ITV1 cameras.

The Cobblers did play last weekend where they beat Stockport County 2-0 and are expected to name an unchanged XI against Boro.

Despite their lowly league position (18th) they are currently the fifth best side in the league on form, having taken 11 points from their last six games. Stevenage have taken seven.

Team news

Boro will welcome back top scorer Chris Holroyd who missed the AFC game, while Jon Ashton, who was injured in that match, could also play.

Josh Walker, who made his debut in the FA Cup a fortnight ago, is expected to make his league debut for the club.

Tadhg Purcell is Northampton Town’s only absentee. Ben Tozer, who is on loan from Stevenage’s next FA Cup opponents Newcastle United, this week extended his loan deal until January 9.

Last five fixtures in all competitions

November 27: AFC Wimbledon 0 Stevenage 2

November 23: Stevenage 1 Southend United 1

November 20: Accrington Stanley 1 Stevenage 0

November 16: MK Dons 1 Stevenage 1 (Stevenage win 7-6 on pens)

November 13: Stevenage 1 Shrewsbury Town 1.

Northampton Town

December 4: Northampton Town 2 Stockport County 0

November 27: Sheffield Wednesday 3 Northampton Town 2

November 23: Rotherham 2 Northampton Town 2

November 20: Barnet 4 Northampton Town 1

November 13: Northampton Town 0 Port Vale 0

Did you know?

If on-loan midfielder Josh Walker makes his league debut for Boro on Saturday (he has already played for them in the FA Cup) he will be the 11th player to make their league debut for the club this season.