John Lundstram is expected to return to the Stevenage midfield for Saturday's away fixture against Leicester City. Manager Russell Martin has indicated a probable starting eleven that includes the experienced Lundstram alongside key figures like striker Emil Riis and goalkeeper Alex McCarthy.
Martin explained the decision, stating Lundstram will "sharpen up after no pre-season and credits Steve Morison's guidance." The predicted lineup sees McCarthy in goal, with a back four of Warren O'Hora, Harry Souttar, Caleb Okoli and a returning Luke Thomas. Lundstram is forecast to partner Louis Page in the centre, with Will Smallbone and Kamari Doyle operating ahead of them in advanced roles, supporting lone forward Riis. Martin confirmed there are no new injury concerns following the midweek defeat.
Recent performance and league context
Their recent form has been inconsistent, following a 3-0 win over Plymouth with a 1-0 home defeat to Milton Keynes Dons last time out. That loss, decided by an 81st-minute Sam Nombe goal, leaves them ten points adrift of the automatic promotion places. The team's record this season stands at four wins, three draws and four losses, with a goal difference of plus four from 15 scored and 11 conceded. Their recent form over the last five games is three wins and two losses, a sequence that includes the 2-1 win over Leicester on 6 October, a 1-0 victory against Wigan, a 2-0 loss at Bradford, the 3-0 win over Plymouth, and the recent 1-0 loss to Milton Keynes Dons.
The squad has depth in attacking areas, with five players having scored multiple League One goals this term. Michael Mellon, Josh Magennis and Phoenix Patterson were all on target in the victory against Plymouth, with Mellon opening the scoring in the 19th minute, Magennis adding a second eight minutes later, and Patterson completing the scoring late on. The team's overall record shows 15 goals scored and 11 conceded from their opening 11 matches, a defensive record Martin has praised as a foundation to build upon.
Upcoming fixture and form
Next up is a tough away day at the King Power Stadium against 11th-placed Leicester. The Foxes will provide a stern test, but Stevenage can draw confidence from their last meeting, a 2-1 home win earlier this month. That result is part of a patchy run of form for Stevenage, which reads loss, win, loss, win, win from their last five outings across all competitions. The immediate task is to improve on their current league position of 13th, where they are ten points behind the leaders, Huddersfield.
Russell Martin's men will be looking to start a positive run ahead of the upcoming international break. The manager emphasised the need for greater consistency in performance levels. The match, which is Stevenage's final fixture before the break, kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, 31 October.
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