Stevenage v Bury preview

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Stevenage could add Andy Iro to their squad.

The 27-year-old defender has joined Boro on a free transfer after leaving MLS side Toronto and will be available once he receives international clearance.

Full-back Darius Charles and winger Filipe Morais are fit after recent knocks so Robbie Rogers is the only injury doubt.

The American winger has missed the last four matches with a hamstring problem and is unlikely to be risked.

Swindon loanee Oliver Risser will hope to keep his place in midfield after scoring on his full debut in the 1-1 draw against Doncaster last weekend.

Gary Smith’s side are unbeaten at home and will kick-off in third spot.

Kevin Blackwell is aiming to secure Bury’s first win of the season when he takes charge of his first match.

The former Leeds and Sheffield United chief was appointed the Shakers new boss on Wednesday following the departure of Richie Barker before the new season.

Bury currently sit bottom of League One and have only collected two points on the road so far this season.

Defender Adam Lockwood is doubtful after being withdrawn during the first half of last weekend’s defeat to MK Dons.

Lockwood picked up a heavy knock and is unlikely to feature meaning Marcus Marshall may have to fill in at the back again.

Midfielder David Worrall returned to the bench in that fixture after recovering from an ankle injury and is expected to return to the starting line-up.

Stevenage v Bury preview

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Stevenage manager Gary Smith is expected to field the same starting line-up for a fifth successive game as his side bid to clinch a play-off spot.

Smith has no new injury or suspension worries following last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Sheffield United, which ensured Stevenage enter the final day with their destiny in their own hands.

Smith’s side, who have been beaten only once in their last 15 league matches, will see off the challenge of Notts County and Carlisle and secure a top-six finish if they win on Saturday.

Smith, who has had the luxury of retaining the same side that won 6-0 at Yeovil two weeks ago, is expected to start with the midfield pair Stacy Long and John Mousinho, with striker Chris Bearsdley on the substitutes’ bench again.

Bury will be without striker Andy Bishop.

The Shakers’ top scorer went under the knife to have pieces of floating bone removed from his knee and is now set to start his rehabilitation ahead of the summer’s pre-season programme.

Boss Richie Barker told Shakers Player: “Bearing in mind I have seen what they have taken out of his knee, I am amazed that he has carried on like he has.

“We expected a little slither of bone that had worn away, but it turns out that they were two big chunks of bone about the size of a one pence piece.”

Elsewhere, Barker has no other injury worries, while Andrai Jones returns from suspension as Bury look to extend their four-match unbeaten run.

Stevenage v Bury preview

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Stevenage manager Graham Westley will be without suspended trio John Mousinho, Luke Foster and Peter Winn.

Mousinho and Foster were shown straight red cards in last week’s 2-0 defeat by Northampton and have been handed three and four-match bans respectively.

Meanwhile, striker Winn completes the three-game suspension he was given for his sending-off in the 1-0 loss at Southend on April 22.

Westley, who knows a win for his side will secure them a League Two play-off spot, admits his squad is stretched thin with the bans, but is strong enough to cope with the losses.

Midfielder Lawrie Wilson is expected to return from the knock which kept him out of the Cobblers match to give the squad a much-needed boost.

Bury caretaker boss Richie Barker will assess the fitness of defender Phil Picken.

The right-back is bidding to shake off a hamstring strain and will be given every opportunity to prove his fitness.

Striker Andy Bishop is still missing as he continues to recover from knee surgery but Barker has no other suspensions or injury concerns as his side bid to snatch the title from under the noses of Chesterfield.

A defeat for the Spireites at home to Gillingham, coupled with a win for his own side, could yet see the Gigg Lane outfit crowned champions.

Barker said: “We can still win the league and it is important we go about things the right way.”