Wycombe Wanderers make the trip to Stevenage on Boxing Day looking to retain their place in the top two of the League One table.
However, they travel to the Lamex Stadium to face a team that have recently put together a five-match unbeaten streak in the third tier.
Match preview
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Having witnessed Birmingham City go top of the league with a narrow win at Crawley Town on Monday night, Wycombe will feel discouraged heading into the Christmas period.
On the whole, Matt Bloomfield can be delighted with an astonishing 18-match unbeaten streak that has been put together in the league since August 24.
However, three draws in four games has set the Chairboys back, bringing them back into contention with third-placed Wrexham who trail them by just two points.
Last time out, Wycombe were held to a goalless draw at home to Bolton Wanderers, the first time that they have failed to score in a League One fixture all season.
Heading into this contest, Bloomfield's hold a 10-game unbeaten run in away league matches, albeit with 16 goals having been conceded in 11 matches in total.
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From Stevenage's perspective, they will be relishing the opportunity to try to get one over one of the promotion candidates having put together their strongest run of form all season.
Alex Revell's side have collected nine points from their most recent five games, recording victories over Northampton Town and Stockport County during that period.
Most recently, Stevenage were able to halt the winning streak of Blackpool by earning a goalless draw at Bloomfield Road, keeping them within five points of the playoffs.
Facing Wycombe represents a step up in class, yet this is a team that have conceded just two goals in their last five matches ahead of playing the team with the best attacking record in the division.
Team News
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Barring any fitness issues, Revell is unlikely to tinker with his Stevenage XI on the back of their clean sheet at Blackpool.
The side has remained the same for the last two league fixtures, winger Jake Young the only player to drop out in three fixtures.
Bloomfield will contemplate making changes after Wycombe drew a blank versus Bolton with veteran Garath McCleary expecting a recall down the right flank.
Daniel Udoh is also in contention for a return in the final third with the places of Fred Onyedinma and Beryly Lubala both at risk. Top goalscorer Richard Kone could retain his spot down the middle despite four games without a goal.
Unless wanting to managing the fitness of some of his defenders and midfielders over a hectic period, the remainder of the team could stay the same.
Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Cooper; James-Wildin, Thompson, Piergianni, Butler; Thompson, White; Roberts, Kemp, List; Reid
Wycombe Wanderers possible starting lineup:
Ravizzoli; Pattenden, Low, Taylor, Hartridge; Bakinson, Leahy; McCleary, Humphreys, Udoh; Kone
We say: Stevenage 1-3 Wycombe Wanderers
Having recently taken the scalp of Stockport, Stevenage know that they have the qualities to overcome some of the best teams in this division. However, we cannot back them to get the better of this Wycombe side, who we expect to finish strongly to claim the win.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
