City take on Stevenage in Sky Bet League One at the LNER Stadium on Saturday 4 January (3pm KO).
Read what Michael Skubala and defender Tendayi Darikwa had to say ahead of the game, as well as catching up on all the important match information in this preview.
Skubala’s thoughts:
“Tendayi added that experience and leadership to the group but he has also been really reliable on the pitch, and he's played nearly every minute of every game. He's played three different positions over three games, which is not easy, and that takes experience, but he's been consistent with his performances.
“Reeco (Hackett) is in contention again, which is great. We thought it could be something worse than it actually was. We’ve got him back on the training pitch, and he’s good to go.
“They’ve got some really fast, good players on the top line. They’re on a good run, on a confident run, confidence is huge in this league. Once you get into a good run, it builds momentum, and they're going to be a tough team to play against."
Darikwa ahead of Stevenage:
“I’m really happy to get that contract sorted and signed, and I'm delighted to extend my stay at the football club. I’ve really enjoyed it from the first day I’ve walked in - everyone’s made me feel really welcome.
“I'm really happy here. Everyone's been great with me. It's a great set of lads. It's a really great coaching setup. So I'm happy to be a part of helping the club move forward.
“Stevenage will come and make it difficult. It was a tough game down at their place, we managed to win that. So we're going with the same mindset as we do every week to try and win the game. It's about staying confident and positive, and hopefully it's a turning point on Saturday.”
A look at the opposition:
Alex Revell is in his second spell as manager at Stevenage after being promoted from the role of assistant at the start of the season following the departure of Steve Evans.
Stevenage picked up a point away from home at Northampton Town last time with a goalless draw and have been on a good run that has seen them lose just once in seven games.
Jack Moylan scored the winner in the reverse fixture from the penalty spot while the last game at the LNER Stadium ended in a 0-0 draw.
Form: WDLWD
Top scorer: Dan Kemp, Elliott List (4 goals)
Match Information:
City will face Stevenage in their home strip on Saturday. You can purchase yours here.
Scott Tallis will be the referee for this fixture, assisted by Wayne Grunnill and Steve Durnall. The fourth official is Tom Reeves.
LNER are the match sponsors.
