Wanderers play their first pre-season friendly in front of supporters when they face Middlesbrough at Bishop Auckland.
With Boro’s Riverside Stadium pitch still undergoing summer remedial work, the Whites head to the Heritage Park home of the newly-promoted Northern Premier League side.
Ian Evatt’s men began their pre-season schedule with a 2-1 behind-closed-doors win over West Bromwich Albion last Saturday and are looking forward to another decent test against Championship opposition as they continue to build towards the new campaign.
Saturday’s game will be Boro’s first friendly in the UK after they lost 2-0 to Liga Portugal side Vitoria SC as part of a training camp in the Algarve.
Manager quotes
Ian Evatt speaking after WBA victory: "It’s a good start and gives us a platform to improve and, as I've said, my main thing for the whole summer is how do we get better?
“We're not going to make any claims about what we need to do, or how we need to do it, or where we need to finish, it's just about improving and getting better and if we can get better, it gives us a great chance and that was a good start.”
Middlesbrough Head Coach Michael Carrick following their previous pre-season fixture: "When we get back there'll be a good mix of training and games.
"We'll use the games as an extra training session at times to get the physical work but also the tactical and technical aspects as well and the boys finding top gear.
"We have five games when we get back and with every one, we'll try to take the next step forward. The games will come thick and fast when we get back and the season will be upon us."
Team News
Wanderers are nursing a few injury issues ahead of the new campaign. Seven players were absent for last weekend’s opener against West Bromwich Abion.
That could be a similar scenario against Boro but recent signing Scott Arfield is likely to make his first outing in a Wanderers’ shirt after being among the scorers in a mid-week training-ground game.
Boro have added a couple of new faces to their squad this summer and were further boosted when Australian midfielder Riley McGree signed a new long-term contract.
Winger Delano Burgzorg has arrived on Teesside from French club Metz and Boro have also signed US international midfielder Aidan Morris from Colombus Crew and turned full-back Luke Ayling’s loan move into a permanent stay.
Form Guide
Boro finished four points outside the Championship play-off places last season and will be looking to close that gap this time around in Michael Carrick’s second full season in charge.
The former Manchester United, Tottenham, West Ham and England midfielder, 42, signed a new contract at the Riverside Stadium this summer.
Wanderers follow Saturday's trip to the North East with a visit to Chorley next Tuesday night before back-to-back home friendlies against Fiorentina and Stoke City. The Whites then finish their pre-season programme at Port Vale on Saturday, 3 August.
Kick-off
Saturday, 3pm
Fan info
The fixture is all-ticket with no pay on the day. Fans travelling by car are advised to use street parking in areas around the ground. Significant street parking is available on the industrial estates on the West Auckland side.
Fans are advised not to use the adjacent retail park or supermarket without checking the time limit.
Wanderers will be wearing their new 2024/25 away kit, which is available to buy HERE