Tranmere Rovers are in Emirates FA Cup action on Saturday 4th November, making the journey to Stevenage in the first round proper.
Nigel Adkins will take his first game since being appointed permanent manager of the Club until the end of the 2025/26 season.
Rovers lost 2-0 to League Two leaders Stockport County last weekend and will aim to get back to winning ways at the Lamex Stadium.
Stevenage are sixth in League One after promotion from the fourth-tier last season. The Boro beat Derby County 3-1 at home on Saturday.
Tranmere were victorious on their last visit to the Lamex, a 1-0 victory in February thanks to a 74th minute Josh Hawkes penalty.
Rovers striker Luke Norris joined the Club from Stevenage in the summer, where he made over 100 appearances and scored 36 goals between 2021 and 2023.
If the tie ends in a draw, it will be settled with a replay at Prenton Park.
Team news:
Harvey Saunders is suspended for the match after his red card at Stockport last weekend.
Joe Starbuck is expected to be sidelined for a while with a foot injury, while Reece McAlear and Jake Leake will step up their training next week, with the Wigan Athletic fixture in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy highlighted as a target for the latter’s return.
Josh Hawkes will be assessed ahead of this weekend’s match after a knock picked up against Doncaster Rovers two weeks ago.
Regan Hendry will return to the squad having served his suspension on Saturday, while Luke Norris will feature after returning off the bench against Stockport.
Last time out:
Last five meetings:
25th February 2023 – Stevenage 0-1 Tranmere Rovers – League Two
SCORERS – Hawkes
30th July 2022 - Tranmere Rovers 1-2 Stevenage – League Two
SCORERS – Hemmings
23rd April 2022 - Stevenage 2-0 Tranmere Rovers – League Two
SCORERS – None
1st February 2022 - Tranmere Rovers 1-0 Stevenage – League Two
SCORERS - Morris
9th February 2021 - Tranmere Rovers 0-1 Stevenage - League Two
SCORERS – None
One to watch: Carl Piergianni
Stevenage captain Carl Piergianni has been impressing once again in defence this season.
The 31-year-old centre-back joined the Boro in the summer of 2022 and has played every league and FA Cup match since arriving in Hertfordshire.
He won promotion to the third tier and featured in the Team of the Season last term.
Piergianni began his career at hometown club Peterborough United and went on to feature for the likes of Stockport and Boston United, before finding success with Salford City.
He won back-to-back promotions from the National League North to League Two with the Ammies in 2018 and 2019, before moving across Greater Manchester to Oldham Athletic.
Manager: Steve Evans
Steve Evans’ managerial career stretches back three decades, working in the Football League with eight different clubs.
The Scot won promotion to the fourth tier with Boston and Crawley Town in 2002 and 2011 respectively and led Rotherham United to the Championship in 2014.
Evans joined Stevenage in March 2022, with the side battling to retain its place in the EFL. He kept the side up with three wins in his first six matches in charge.
The following year saw promotion, following a second-place finish in League Two. His side now sit in the Play-Off positions.
Officials:
Referee - Neil Hair
Assistant Referees - Joseph Stokes & Scott Williams
Fourth Official - Aaron Farmer
Hair last refereed Rovers in our 2-0 win over Oldham in April 2022.
Match coverage:
Audio Match Passes are not available for Emirates FA Cup fixtures.
However, those who have purchased month and season-long passes will be able to listen to live commentary.
You can follow the action through our social media channels below, with full text coverage during the fixture, followed by a match report.
X: @tranmererovers
Facebook: @trfcofficial
Instagram: @tranmererovers
Match reaction from Nigel Adkins and a player will follow the game on our YouTube channel.