Tend to agree with RTID re Smith's sacking. Given the number of players they lost in the summer, Stevenage have been punching above their weight in terms of league placings and a side who can thump the Blades 4-0 recently, can't be all bad. Will this mean the return of the odious Westley?
As for the game itself, Rovers are not very good on telly and with a potential new manager to impress, the visitors should be up for it, while Akins will doubtless be anxious to show us what we're missing. Ben Chorley also playing for our opponents.
Is OFW going to be unavailable through international duty for this and a debut for Mooney? I don't think it's time to be playing musical right-backs and would keep Holmes in. Agree with starting Bell-Baggie on the right, but I don't think Kirby is anywhere near a start, so O'Halloran on the other side. Unless we've another loan into the mix...
Prediction: With no financial incentives to attract a bigger crowd and current poor form, don't expect more than about 4.5k. This will be nowhere near as easy as last season's comfy 3-0, either a narrow win or a draw.