Portsmouth take on Stevenage in the first round of the EFL Carabao Cup at the Lamex Stadium this Saturday.
The Boro, who finished bottom of League Two last season, host a Portsmouth side that were knocked out of the League One play-offs courtesy of penalties.
It’s both sides first game of the season due to the obvious unpresented circumstances, but which team will progress to the second round of the competition?
Players to watch
Stevenage have had an impressive transfer window, signing multiple defenders either on loan or permanently. The pick of the bunch could be left back Ben Coker who is most commonly renowned for his successful time at Southend United.
The fullback is a dogged player, bombing up and down the left-hand side tenaciously for the majority of most games. The only diabetic footballer in England is also not afraid of a tackle, often throwing himself into challenges.
Portsmouth’s one to watch is more of a familiar face to Pompey fans as Ronan Curtis will be looking to continue his impressive goal-scoring record of last season.
The winger, who can also play as a striker, is a quick, clinical player who defenders cannot afford to give too much time on the ball too. The Irishman was directly involved in 22 goals last season, scoring 14 and assisting 8 other all competitions.
Head to head
Despite Pompey being the bookies favourites, historically it is Stevenage who have the edge in this fixture, winning six of the last 12 meetings between the sides.
However, the last time the sides met in this competition in 2010, it was Portsmouth who won 2-1 at the Lamex Stadium.
Predicted starting XI
Stevenage:
Johnson; Hutton, Marshall, Prosser, Coker; Carter, Vincelot, Lakin, List, Marsh, Kemp.
Portsmouth:
Bass; Bolton, Naylor, Raggett, Brown; Morris, Close; Williams, Harness, Curtis; Harrison.
How to watch
The game is not being broadcasted on TV but the match will be available to watch for £10 on either iFollow Pompey or iFollow Boro.
