Preview: Salford City vs. Stockport County - prediction, team news, lineups

Meanwhile, the promotion-chasing visitors will have the chance to claim a second straight win after beating Newport County at the weekend.

Match preview

Salford have taken just one point from four matches since picking up their most recent victory in a home game against Barrow last month.

The Ammies followed a loss to Mansfield Town with a draw against Colchester United, before they fell to back-to-back defeats against Gillingham and Karl Robinson's former side MK Dons.

Matt Smith gave Salford a 12th-minute lead in Saturday's outing at Stadium MK, but they were ultimately left with nothing to show for their efforts after Kyran Lofthouse, Alex Gilbey and Emre Tezgel found the net to condemn the Ammies to a 3-1 loss.

Although they are languishing in 20th position, Salford currently have a sizeable eight-point buffer between themselves and the drop zone.

Nevertheless, the Ammies will still be determined to extend that gap, but they will be aware that they need to improve defensively if they are to move up the standings, having let in 69 goals in their 37 league matches this season - only Sutton United and Notts County have conceded more.

Stockport will head into Thursday's encounter in a positive mood after they ended a four-game winless run with a narrow victory over Newport County at the weekend.

Paddy Madden made amends for his 73rd-minute penalty miss to net a stoppage-time winner against the Exiles to secure Stockport's first home victory since the middle of January.

The Hatters are currently sitting in third place and two points better off than fourth position, and they will move into top spot if they can claim maximum points on Thursday.

While Salford have struggled defensively this season, Stockport have proven to be a resolute force, demonstrated by the fact they have kept clean sheets in each of their last three matches.

The visitors will be looking to leave the Peninsula Stadium with a win for the second time this season after recording a 3-1 victory in October's EFL Trophy meeting.

Salford City League Two form:

D

W

L

D

L

L

Stockport County League Two form:

W

L

L

D

D

W

Team News

The hosts are still unable to call upon the services of Liam Shephard, Stevie Mallan, Ossama Ashley and Kelly Nmai.

Robinson could be tempted to freshen up his attacking options, with Callum Hendry in contention to start Thursday's fixture.

Smith, who is currently the division's joint top scorer, will be looking to add to his 23-goal league tally when he leads the line against Stockport.

As for the visitors, defender Akil Wright and midfielder Will Collar are unlikely to feature due to their respective injury issues.

Louie Barry is making progress in his recovery process, but the Aston Villa loanee is not expected to return in time to face his former club.

Stockport are also expected to be without Ryan Croasdale, who has been forced to miss the last two matches through injury.

Salford City possible starting lineup:

Cairns; Chesters, Vassell, Tilt, Garbutt; Watt, Watson; Luamba, Hendry, McAleny; Smith

Stockport County possible starting lineup:

Hinchcliffe; Cass, Pye, Horsfall; Hippolyte, Sarcevic, Lemonheigh-Evans, Powell, Bristow; Madden, Olaofe

We say: Salford City 1-3 Stockport County

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