Who? Crewe Alexandra FC.
What? Opening game of the Sky Bet League 2 season.
Where? The Lamex Stadium, Stevenage, SG2 8RH.
When? Saturday 6th August 2016.
Starting off with ticket news, prices are currently at in-advance prices until midnight tonight. Prices increase by £2 on the day of the game so buy yours now to save a couple of quid. Full ticket details can be found here.
After a long summer, meaningful football is finally back at the Lamex Stadium. After the additions of Fox, McAnuff, Liburd, Hyde and Donnellan into the squad along with the re-signings of Jones, Wilkinson and Lee, Stevenage boss Darren Sarll says his team is now ready for the season.
“We are always on the look-out for a bargain, we will always be on that look out but we are happy with what we have got.
“Whatever happens, the foundations we have created in the last six weeks are strong. We are a lot stronger mentally and physically and whatever we bring on top now will be a bonus.
“We are in a good place.”
In injury news, Schumacher is still a few weeks away from being fully fit whilst Charlie Lee and Rowan Liburd are both doubtful after recent knocks. Crewe will likely be without midfielder duo Liam Smith and Ryan Wintle.
Onto the opposition and their fans will be hoping for an immediate return to League One after last season’s relegation but the bookies have them down as long-shots for promotion at 15/2. Other relegated clubs Blackpool, Doncaster and Colchester are priced at much shorter odds than the Railwaymen.
The signings of Chris Dagnall and Ryan Lowe will give them a much needed boost up front though with over 300 career goals between the two strikers to date. The two players are also good friends off the pitch so Crewe fans will be hoping for a lethal partnership this season.
Speaking ahead of the game, Crewe boss Steve Davis is expecting a difficult match.
“Stevenage will be tough. They are at home and come into the game after having a good pre-season in terms of results. They have beaten some teams who play above this level but like I have said, you can never read too much into pre-season results.
“It will be a good opening game for us. They have a lot of strengths and they have some experienced players to call on. They have Tonge and Lee in midfield, they have McAnuff on the wing and there is plenty of experience in their back four and goalkeeper. They are organised and work hard.”
In betting news, EFL sponsors Sky Bet have Stevenage 7/5 favourites to get off to a winning start tomorrow afternoon. You can go for goals by getting 3/1 for Stevenage to win in a match that goes over the 2.5 goals mark whilst you can check out some of our season-long bets here. If you sign up and place your bet with Sky Bet through these attached links, it helps provide additional revenue for the football club!
Can’t make the game? Listen to the game live on the Boro PlayerHD service from 14:50 tomorrow where Steve Watkins will be leading the commentary as usual. Our Twitter page is the place to be locked in on a matchday as we provide live minute-by-minute updates before, during and after the game. Instagram has all the best photos uploaded across the weekend whilst extended highlights and reaction from the players and manager will be available for Boro PlayerHD subscribers on Saturday night/Sunday.