As Stevenage welcome Stockport County in this high-stakes League One playoff semi-final, it’s a battle for the first leg advantage in a bid for Championship football next season.
Stevenage’s defensive solidity faces off against Stockport’s free-scoring attack in what promises to be a fascinating tactical duel. Kick-off is set for 3pm on Saturday, 9th May, at The Lamex Stadium, where both teams are eager to make a statement as the season heads toward its conclusion.
Best Bets & Predictions
Based on season trends and recent results, here are our top betting recommendations for this match. We’re particularly confident in the value around Stockport County’s attacking prowess, but Stevenage’s home resilience can’t be overlooked.
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Both Teams To Score – Yes | 20/21 @ Bet365 (51.2%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | We’re backing both teams to score: Stevenage have netted in all but one of their last six, while Stockport average 1.54 goals per game. H2H history is even, with 18 goals in 6 meetings (3 per match). |
| Stockport County to Win | 7/4 @ Bet365 (36.4%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | There could be value here: Stockport have scored 71 goals this season, 22 more than Stevenage, and boast higher possession and pass accuracy. They come in off a clinical 3-1 win at Barnsley. |
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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Season Form & Standings
Both sides have enjoyed strong campaigns, but Stockport County’s attacking numbers have set them apart. Stevenage’s defensive work – with 19 clean sheets – has secured them a playoff place, while Stockport’s relentless goal scoring powered a top-three finish.
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockport County | 3 | 46 | 22 | 11 | 13 | 71 | 58 | +13 | 77 |
| Stevenage | 6 | 46 | 21 | 12 | 13 | 49 | 46 | +3 | 75 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Kyle Wootton (Stockport County): 19 goals in 46 matches, 3 assists, and 38.6% shot accuracy. He’s a unique threat from deeper roles, with a knack for timing runs into the box.
- James Reid (Stevenage): Top scorer with 14 goals, 3 assists, and an exceptional 50.9% shot accuracy. He averages just over 3 shots per 90 and is Stevenage’s key outlet in transition.
- Oliver Norwood (Stockport County): 11 assists, 8 goals from midfield, and an elite 81.66% pass accuracy. Norwood is Stockport’s creative fulcrum, dictating play and launching attacks.
Head-to-Head: Last 6 Meetings
Stevenage and Stockport County have met six times in recent seasons, with Stevenage edging the record 4-2, but both sides have scored exactly 9 goals apiece. The most recent encounters have all featured at least two goals, underlining the attacking intent whenever these sides meet.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 28/02/26 | Stevenage 2-1 Stockport County | League One |
| 13/12/25 | Stockport County 1-3 Stevenage | League One |
| 01/04/25 | Stockport County 3-0 Stevenage | League One |
| 14/12/24 | Stevenage 2-1 Stockport County | League One |
| 18/02/23 | Stockport County 2-0 Stevenage | League Two |
| 06/08/22 | Stevenage 2-1 Stockport County | League Two |
Conclusion: Final Thoughts
Will Stockport County’s firepower break down Stevenage’s defence, or can the hosts add to their impressive head-to-head record? With both teams in strong recent form and a tendency for goals in their clashes, we see value in Both Teams To Score at 20/21 (51.2%) with Bet365 as the standout pick. Expect an open contest where neither side will want to settle for less than three points.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
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