League 1
Stockport County FC vs Stevenage : A League One Play-Off Battle Under the Edgeley Park Lights
13/05/2026 19:00 (UTC) · Stockport · Edgeley Park
Pre-match analysis
Club Profile
Profile Comparison
Stockport County vs Stevenage: A League One Play-Off Battle Under the Edgeley Park Lights
Stockport County and Stevenage meet in a League One encounter that carries more weight than a mid-table fixture might suggest. With both sides pushing for strong finishes, this match at Edgeley Park offers a fascinating clash of styles, form, and ambition.
The Home Advantage That Speaks Volumes
On paper, Stockport County enter this contest as the clear favourites, and the numbers back that up. Dave Challinor's side have been impressive throughout the season, sitting on 23 wins from 47 matches with 72 goals scored—a tally that places them among the more prolific attacking units in the division. Their recent form has been encouraging too, with victories in three of their last five outings, including a hard-fought 1-0 win away at Stevenage just days ago.
That result, coming on 9 May, gives Stockport a psychological edge. They know they can go into Stevenage's territory and emerge with three points. Now, playing at Edgeley Park, where they have historically been strong, the momentum is firmly on their side. The estimated XI suggests a settled side, with key figures like Oliver Norwood—who boasts a remarkable 7.70 rating and 11 assists for the season—pulling the strings in midfield. Louie Barry, with three goals in recent appearances, adds a cutting edge that Stevenage will need to contain.
The cotes reflect this confidence: Stockport are priced at 2.18 to win, while Stevenage sit at 5.20. The draw, at 4.50, suggests that bookmakers see a home victory as the most likely outcome, but not without some resistance.
Why Stevenage Won't Roll Over
But this is League One, and nothing is ever straightforward. Stevenage, under Alex Revell, have built a reputation for resilience. Their season record of 21 wins and 12 draws from 47 matches shows they are no pushovers. They have kept 19 clean sheets across the campaign, a defensive solidity that could frustrate Stockport's attacking ambitions.
The recent head-to-head record adds another layer of intrigue. While Stockport won the most recent meeting, Stevenage had won two of the three previous encounters, including a 3-1 victory at Edgeley Park in December 2025. That result will give Revell's men belief that they can hurt Stockport on their own turf. Their recent form has been mixed—two wins, two draws, and a defeat in the last five—but they have shown they can grind out results, particularly away from home where they drew 1-1 with Doncaster recently.
Stevenage's strength lies in their organisation. With Carl Piergianni and Charlie Goode forming a solid central defensive partnership, and Harvey White providing creativity from midfield, they have the tools to disrupt Stockport's rhythm. Their attacking output is modest—just 49 goals all season—but they have a habit of making the most of limited chances. Jamie Reid, their top scorer with 14 goals, is always a threat, and his movement could exploit any defensive lapses from the hosts.
The cotes for a Stevenage win at 5.20 might seem generous, but given their recent form and the tight nature of these encounters, it is not an outcome to dismiss lightly.
Key Absences and Expected Faces
Both sides are likely to field strong lineups. For Stockport, the estimated XI includes C. Addai in goal, with a back four of K. Wootton, E. Pye, J. Stokes, and T. Edun. The midfield trio of O. Norwood, O. Bailey, and B. Osborn provides a blend of experience and energy, while L. Barry and A. Sidibeh support M. Mothersille up front.
Stevenage are expected to line up with F. Marschall in goal, protected by J. Pattenden, C. Goode, C. Piergianni, and S. Earley. The midfield will likely feature D. Kemp, L. Thompson, and H. White, with J. Roberts, J. Reid, and M. Phillips leading the attack.
Injury concerns are minimal based on available data, though the absence of L. Bate for Stockport, noted as a long-term issue, is unlikely to affect this match. Both managers have depth in their squads, and the starting XIs should reflect their strongest available options.
The Decisive Duels and Key Zones
This match will likely be decided in midfield. Oliver Norwood, with his passing range and set-piece delivery, is Stockport's creative heartbeat. If Stevenage can nullify his influence, they will go a long way towards stifling the home side's attacking flow. Harvey White, with a 7.44 rating, will be tasked with matching Norwood's energy and providing a counter-threat.
Defensively, the battle between Stockport's forwards and Stevenage's centre-backs will be crucial. Kyle Wootton, Stockport's top scorer with 18 goals, will look to use his physical presence against Piergianni and Goode. If Stevenage can keep him quiet, they will force Stockport to look elsewhere for inspiration.
At the other end, Jamie Reid's movement off the ball could cause problems for Stockport's defence, which has been vulnerable at times—conceding 58 goals this season. The home side's clean sheet record of 13 is respectable, but they have shown lapses, particularly in recent home matches where they lost to Port Vale and Mansfield.
Tactical Chess: Control vs Compactness
Stockport's approach under Challinor is built on possession and control. With 57.6% possession in their archived matches and an average of 14.5 shots per game, they look to dominate proceedings. Their attacking radar score of 52 reflects a side that creates chances regularly, though their defensive radar of 42 suggests they can be exposed.
Stevenage, by contrast, are more pragmatic. Their 43.3% possession and 8.7 shots per game indicate a side that is comfortable without the ball, relying on discipline and counter-attacks. Their defensive radar of 43 is similar to Stockport's, but their attacking output is significantly lower at 23. This suggests they will look to absorb pressure and hit on the break, rather than engage in an open contest.
The key tactical question is whether Stockport can break down a compact Stevenage defence. If they can score early, the game opens up in their favour. But if Stevenage hold firm, the match could become a frustrating affair for the hosts, with the visitors growing in confidence as the clock ticks.
What the Odds and Form Tell Us
The cotes paint a clear picture: Stockport are favourites, but not overwhelmingly so. The 2.18 for a home win implies around a 46% chance, while the 5.20 for Stevenage suggests a 19% probability. The draw at 4.50 (22%) is a significant factor, reflecting the potential for a tight, low-scoring contest.
Stevenage's recent form includes two clean sheets in their last five matches, and they have shown they can frustrate better sides. Their away record, while modest, includes a draw at Doncaster and a narrow defeat at Stockport. They are not a team that gets blown away easily.
Stockport, meanwhile, have been prolific at times but inconsistent. Their home form in the archived data shows 2.0 goals per match, but they have also conceded 0.8 per game. This suggests they are vulnerable, particularly if Stevenage can capitalise on set pieces or transitions.
Final Verdict: A Close Contest with a Home Edge
This is a match that could go either way, but the balance of probability leans slightly towards Stockport County. Their superior attacking firepower, home advantage, and recent victory over Stevenage give them the edge. However, Stevenage's defensive organisation and ability to grind out results mean they cannot be written off.
Expect a tight, tactical affair where moments of individual quality could decide the outcome. Stockport will likely dominate possession and create more chances, but Stevenage will be dangerous on the counter and from set pieces. A low-scoring game seems plausible, with the potential for a single goal to separate the sides.
For the neutral, this is a fascinating encounter between two well-coached teams with contrasting philosophies. For the fans, it is a match that could have significant implications for the final standings. Stockport will feel they have the momentum, but Stevenage have the resilience to make this a long night under the Edgeley Park lights.
Loading live match data…
Detailed live data loads right after the page is displayed.Match summary
Find here the match context, live updates, line-ups, key statistics and useful odds to follow Dooggie's bets.
Stockport County FC vs Stevenage takes place in League 1. Kick-off is scheduled for 13/05/2026 21:00. At Edgeley Park. This page gathers live coverage, lineups, key stats and match context. Main 1X2 odds: 1 2.12 · X 3.5 · 2 4.3.
Subscription offers provide access to Dooggie's bets and analyses according to your plan.
Main odds
Probable / official lineups
(4-3-3) Official lineup
- 34 Corey Addai G
- 2 Josh Dacres-Cogley D
- 19 Kyle Wootton D
- 15 Ethan Pye D
- 14 Tayo Edun D
- 27 Odin Bailey M
- 26 Oliver Norwood M
- 23 Ben Osborn M
- 28 Josh Stokes F
- 29 Adama Sidibeh F
- 20 Louie Barry F
(4-1-4-1) Official lineup
- 1 Filip Marschall G
- 17 Jasper Pattenden D
- 15 Charlie Goode D
- 5 Carl Piergianni D
- 14 Saxon Earley D
- 4 Jordan Houghton M
- 25 Matt Phillips M
- 8 Daniel Phillips M
- 10 Daniel Kemp M
- 11 Jordan Roberts M
- 19 Jamie Reid F
Available lineups are displayed in the live widget above.
Stats and momentum
Detailed stats, match events and momentum are synced automatically from the main provider or the configured fallback.
Match FAQ
What time does Stockport County FC vs Stevenage kick off?
Kick-off is scheduled for 13/05/2026 21:00.
Where can I see the odds for Stockport County FC vs Stevenage?
The main 1X2 odds are displayed on the match page and updated when data is available.
Does this page include lineups and stats?
Yes. This page brings together live coverage, lineups, stats and events whenever the providers make them available.