by The Rovers Review

After drawing 1-1 with local rivals, Mansfield Town on the final day of 2016, Rovers look to bounce back by beginning 2017 with 3 points against visitors Stevenage.
 
James Coppinger is available for selection after serving his three match ban, which he picked up v Plymouth at beginning of December. Consequently Ferguson has to decide whether to drop Liam Mandeville, John Marquis or Andy Williams if he wants Coppinger to return to the starting eleven.

At the time of writing this preview we're still waiting to hear about two new signings that Ferguson told the press would be available for this game. One is expected to be non-league striker, Alfie May, who has been confirmed to be coming to Rovers by his club Hythe. The other is rumored to by ex-Rovers loanee, Conor Grant. Either way, these two signings could come into contention for the Stevenage game, should they be announced in time.

Mitchell Lund has recently returned to training and will be edging closer to returning to the match-day squad.

Head-to-head
Rovers go into this match with the joint best home record in league two - on par with second place, Carlisle United. Stevenage, however, are fifth on the away form table with them earning 20 points on the road so far this term.

Both teams are also in the top six for best offensive teams in the league with Stevenage scoring 35 goals from 23 games and Rovers scoring 45 also in 23.

Players to watch
Striker Matt Godden is their main threat, netting 7 goals in the league so far this team. Godden is also Stevenage's best player for assists with him getting 6 in total this season - so it's safe to say he is massive attacking threat for Boro.

Previous encounters
We last faced Stevenage last month (December 2016) in the action packed 4-3 win for Rovers at Broadhall Way. Goals from Butler, Mandeville, Blair and an own goal from their goalkeeper Jamie Jones helped Rovers secure the three points.

Predicted lineup v Stevenage Town
Marosi; Alcock, Butler, Baudry, Mason; Houghton, Blair, Rowe, Coppinger; Mandeville and Marquis.