Preview: Stockport County vs. Hartlepool United - prediction, team news, lineups

Stockport know that a win is a must in Monday's home meeting with Hartlepool United, who have already been relegated.

Match preview

Stockport extended their unbeaten run to 10 matches when they claimed a 3-0 victory over League Two champions Leyton Orient last weekend.

Akil Wright and Callum Camps grabbed a goal apiece in the opening 10 minutes before Connor Lemonheigh-Evans rounded off the comfortable win in the second half.

After winning the National League last season, Stockport will have two opportunities to secure back-to-back promotions.

The Hatters, who occupy fourth position, know that they are already guaranteed a place in the playoffs, but with two points separating them from third-placed Northampton Town, automatic promotion remains a possibility.

Stockport will earn promotion if they beat Hartlepool and Northampton drop points in their away meeting with Tranmere Rovers.

Hartlepool, meanwhile, are preparing to play their final game in the EFL for the foreseeable future.

Although they have already been relegated, Hartlepool managed to restore a degree of pride last weekend when they claimed a 3-1 win over Barrow to end a four-game winless run.

The Pools fell behind in the 21st minute, but goals from Jack Hamilton, Jamie Sterry and Conner Jennings helped John Askey's side pick up all three points.

Hartlepool will now head on their travels for the final game of the 2022-23 campaign, and they will be looking to avoid a third consecutive away defeat.

Although they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat in the reverse fixture with Stockport, Monday's visitors may be able to take confidence from the 1-0 win that they picked up in their last away trip to Edgeley Park, which took place in the 2020-21 National League playoffs.

Stockport County League Two form:

W

W

D

D

W

W

Hartlepool United League Two form:

W

D

L

L

L

W

Team News

Stockport are expected to be without the services of Will Collar, who missed the win over Leyton Orient through injury.

Wright came into the side last weekend, and he is expected to keep his place in the back three alongside Fraser Horsfall and Joe Lewis.

Paddy Madden dropped down to the bench against Leyton Orient, but he could return to the starting lineup on Monday.

As for the visitors, Euan Murray and Alex Lacey continue to progress in their recoveries from injury, but they remain unavailable for the final game of the season.

After claiming a 3-1 win over Barrow last weekend, Askey could select an unchanged Hartlepool lineup for Monday's contest.

If Askey does decide against making any changes, then Hartlepool's top scorer Josh Umerah will have to settle for a place on the bench.

Stockport County possible starting lineup:

Hinchliffe; Wright, Horsfall, Lewis; Knoyle, Camps, Croasdale, Hippolyte, Hussey; Stretton, Madden

Hartlepool United possible starting lineup:

Stolarczyk; Dodds, Dolan, Pruti; Sterry, Featherstone, Crawford, Cooke, Ferguson; Hamilton, Jennings

We say: Stockport County 2-1 Hartlepool United

After avoiding defeat in their last 12 matches, Stockport head into Monday's encounter in imperious form, and we think that they will claim a third consecutive victory to give them a chance of securing automatic promotion.

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