Stevenage prepare for a key League One clash at home to Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday night, looking to respond after a 2-0 defeat at Bradford City. The Boro sit 12th in the league table with 12 points from nine games, six points adrift of the playoff places, and face a Plymouth side currently fourth. A victory in this next fixture could see them close the gap significantly.
Manager Alex Revell is forced into at least one change, with winger Wanya Marcal ruled out after picking up an injury during the loss at Valley Parade, adding to the team's injury list. The 19-year-old Ben Broggio is a candidate to come into the starting XI. Plymouth, managed by Tom Cleverley, have their own injury concerns with Julio Pleguezuelo, Joe Edwards, Malachi Boateng and Owen Oseni continuing their recovery, and are expected to start Aribim Pepple up front.
Recent form and head-to-head record
Stevenage have won their last two home league games, against Wigan and Leicester, and are unbeaten in their last three at the Lamex Stadium. Their overall recent form reads three wins and two losses from the last five. Plymouth, however, arrive with momentum from three consecutive away victories and have not lost to Stevenage in their last four meetings, winning three and drawing one. The last encounter at Home Park ended in a 1-0 win for the Pilgrims.
Key players and seasonal context
Dan Kemp has been a key figure for Stevenage, scoring three goals in his last five league matches. The team's top scorers this season are Kemp and Oliver Sanderson with three each, followed by Josh Magennis on two. Plymouth's attack has been potent on the road, averaging over two goals per game in their last ten away matches, with Pepple contributing four goals this term. Stevenage's defence, which conceded an average of one goal per game last season, has let in 10 across nine matches this campaign.
The fixture is a significant test for Revell's side as they aim to close the gap on the top six. Stevenage will look to make it four unbeaten at home when they welcome Plymouth to Broadhall Way on 20 October, a match that kicks off at 19:45 BST. The team's underlying statistics show they have created an average of 1.2 expected goals per game but have conceded chances worth 1.4.
