On Tuesday, Norwich City will get their preparations for the 2024-25 season underway when they travel to the Lamex Stadium for a friendly against Stevenage.
The Canaries are getting ready for a third consecutive Championship campaign, while the hosts are looking forward to a second straight League One season.
Match preview
After winning promotion from League Two in 2022-23, Stevenage threatened to mount a playoff push in their first League One campaign in 10 years.
Stevenage playoff bid ultimately tailed off, ensuring they finished in ninth place and five points adrift of the top six.
They will head into the 2024-25 campaign with a new manager after Steve Evans left his role in the closing stages of last season to take over the reins at Rotherham United.
Alex Revell, who was part of Evans's backroom staff, has been appointed as Stevenage's new manager, taking on the role for the second time in his career.
The 40-year-old previously managed the club from February 2020 to November 2021, winning 20, drawing 30 and losing 37 of his 77 matches in charge.
Revell will be looking for his side to build confidence in their first two friendlies against Championship opposition, beginning with Saturday's clash against Norwich before facing Watford at the weekend.
Like their hosts, Norwich also head into the 2024-25 season under new management after David Wagner was dismissed following the club's playoff disappointment.
The Canaries collected 73 points from 46 matches to finish in sixth position and set up a playoff semi-final against Leeds United.
Norwich went on to play out a goalless draw in the home leg, before falling to a heavy 4-0 defeat at Elland Road, ensuring they would remain in the Championship for a third consecutive season.
After removing Wagner from his post, the Canaries agreed a compensation package with Nordsjaelland to appoint Johannes Hoff Thorup as the club's new head coach.
The 35-year-old took charge of 67 matches during his time in charge of the Danish club, recording 34 victories, 17 draws and 16 defeats.
Thorup will begin his tenure as Norwich boss with friendlies against Stevenage and Northampton Town, before they complete their pre-season schedule with games against Club Brugge, Standard Liege, Magdeburg and St. Pauli.
Team News
Stevenage have made a number of additions to their squad, having recruited Lewis Freestone, Dan Kemp, Daniel Phillips and Louis Appere.
While they may have made four new signings, the hosts have also bid farewell to Harry Anderson, Alex MacDonald and Kane Hemmings.
As for Norwich, Angus Gunn, Grant Hanley and Kenny McLean are yet to return to pre-season training after representing Scotland at Euro 2024.
Chile's Marcelino Nunez and USA's Josh Sargent are also having some time off following their involvement at the 2024 Copa America.
Stevenage possible starting lineup:
Lineup here
Norwich City possible starting lineup:
Lineup here
We say: Stevenage X-Y Norwich City
Prediction justification text here
No Data Analysis info
