Preview: Stevenage vs. Scunthorpe United - prediction, team news, lineups

Paul Tisdale will take charge of his first home game as Stevenage manager when his team welcome Scunthorpe United to the Lamex Stadium on Tuesday.

The hosts head into the encounter three points above the drop zone, while Scunthorpe are rooted to the foot of the table after accumulating just 14 points this term.

Match preview

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Tisdale is yet to see his side play a league game with his first two matches in charge of the Boro coming in cup competitions.

Unfortunately for the new boss, he has seen his new team eliminated from both the EFL Trophy and the FA Cup in consecutive games.

In his first match, Stevenage played out a goalless draw with Sutton United in the EFL Trophy, but their opponents prevailed on penalties to progress.

The former Exeter City boss then took his side to Yeovil Town on Saturday with a Charlie Wakefield goal enough to eliminate Tisdale's side from the FA Cup.

Stevenage have issues at both ends of the pitch after conceding 30 goals in the league this season, while only scoring 15, but Tisdale will be confident that he is the man to change their fortunes.

Like his opposite number, Keith Hill is still looking for his first win as Scunthorpe boss after six games at the helm.

Tuesday's visitors are winless in their last seven competitive fixtures, but three draws in their previous four outings suggest that they are heading in the right direction.

With no game at the weekend, Scunthorpe's last fixture was a 1-1 draw with Bradford City on November 27, and a ten-day break will ensure they are well-rested ahead of Tuesday's encounter.

Despite leaking goals in their last five games, Scunthorpe can be encouraged by the fact that they have scored in each of those fixtures.

Although, they are yet to win on the road this season, and Hill will know that if his side are to avoid the drop then they need to start collecting victories on their travels.

Team News

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Elliot List has scored eight of Stevenage's 15 league goals this season, and the forward will be aiming to add to his impressive tally against Scunthorpe.

Luke Norris is the only other Stevenage player to have scored more than once this season, but the 28-year-old will have to settle for a place on the bench, with Jamie Reid set to partner List upfront.

Tisdale brought Bruno Andrade into the starting lineup for the Yeovil encounter, and he is likely to keep his place for Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Jake Scrimshaw has top-scored for Scunthorpe this season, netting on three occasions in League Two and the 21-year-old with be joined in the forward line by Aaron Jarvis.

After consecutive draws, Hill will want to maintain a settled side, which could see changes kept to a minimum for Tuesday's encounter.

Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Smith; Wildin, Vancooten, Prosser, Melbourne; Osborne, Taylor, Reeves, Andrade; List, Reid

Scunthorpe United possible starting lineup:
O'Hara; Millen, Onariase, Taft, Thompson; Hippolyte, Perry, Kenyon, Beestin; Jarvis, Scrimshaw

We say: Stevenage 1-0 Scunthorpe United

With only four points separating the sides in the league table it will be a close fought encounter, but given their poor away record, we think that Scunthorpe will fall short with Stevenage claiming all three points.

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