On Saturday afternoon, Stevenage will kick off their pre-season campaign by hosting Watford at Broadhall Way. This friendly fixture marks a significant opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies ahead of the upcoming season.
While Stevenage, a League One side, begins their preparations, Watford, a Championship outfit, has already participated in two exhibition games this month.
Team Form
Stevenage
Stevenage, under the new management of Alex Revell, faced a delay in starting their pre-season due to unexpected pitch refurbishment.
Revell, who took over in May following the exit of Steve Evans, aims to lead the team to a stronger finish than their ninth-place result last season.
Despite missing out on the playoffs by five points, Stevenage has shown potential and will look to build on their strengths.
Watford
Watford, led by new permanent head coach Tom Cleverley, is also in a transition period.
After finishing 15th in the Championship last season, the Hornets are eager to improve.
Their pre-season began with a 2-0 defeat to Reading, followed by a narrow victory over Boreham Wood.
Cleverley’s squad is still finding its rhythm, with significant squad rotations observed during these matches.
Team News
Stevenage
Stevenage has been active in the transfer market, bringing in Daniel Phillips, Dan Kemp, Louis Appere, and Lewis Freestone.
All four are expected to feature in the friendly against Watford. The team has also seen the departure of several players, including Theo Alexandrou, Harry Anderson, Kane Hemmings, and Alex MacDonald.
Watford
Watford’s recent friendly against Boreham Wood saw 21 players take the field, with Antonio Tikvic playing the full 90 minutes.
The club’s notable summer signing, former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Moussa Sissoko, adds significant experience to the squad.
However, key players like Ryan Porteous and Giorgi Chakvetadze are still on holiday after Euro 2024, and Yaser Asprilla is engaged in 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
While Stevenage will have fresher legs, Watford’s higher league experience could give them an edge.
Despite the Hornets not yet clicking into full gear this pre-season, their squad depth may help them secure a narrow win.
Therefore, our prediction for this friendly is Stevenage 0-1 Watford.
