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

The hosts are now up to 13th place, after a difficult start to the season, while the visitors are flying high in fourth.

Match preview

After losing the playoff final against Carlisle United in May, Stockport endured a tough start to the League Two season, collecting just four points from their opening five games, but they now appear to be back on track.

The Hatters may have thrown away a two-goal lead to draw 3-3 against Crawley Town at the beginning of the month, but they have now won their last two games on the spin, meaning they are back within two points of the playoffs.

David Challinor's side managed to overturn a one-goal deficit to beat AFC Wimbledon 2-1 at Plough Lane two weeks ago, with Louie Barry and Will Collar getting on the scoresheet, and they followed that up with another win on the road last time out.

On paper, a trip to recently-relegated MK Dons is a difficult task, but Stockport emerged victorious to extend their unbeaten run to three games, heading into what is sure to be a tough test at Edgeley Park.

In the 2021-22 campaign, the Hatters went toe-to-toe with Wrexham for the National League title, ultimately coming out on top, and they are set to renew acquaintances with their old rivals on Saturday afternoon.

The Red Dragons may have been unable to win promotion in the 2021-22 campaign, but they made sure they got the job done last season, and they have adapted to life in the EFL very well.

As things stand, Phil Parkinson's side are outside the automatic promotion spots on goal difference alone, having taken 15 points from their opening eight games, and they have been on a very impressive recent run of form.

The Welsh side are now on a four-game winning run in all competitions, which started away at local rivals Tranmere Rovers, with Aaron Hayden's second-half goal proving to be the difference between the two sides in a 1-0 victory.

Wrexham have kept three clean sheets in their last four games, having shored up their backline since conceding five against MK Dons and Swindon Town back in August, but Saturday's game, against last season's League Two playoff finalists, is likely to be their toughest test to date.

Stockport County League Two form:

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Stockport County form (all competitions):

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Wrexham League Two form:

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Wrexham form (all competitions):

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Team News

Nick Powell got up and running in a Stockport shirt in the last match, scoring the winner against MK Dons, but he had to be withdrawn early in the second half, having sustained an injury.

The issue is not thought to be anything serious, and the attacking midfielder is likely to keep his place in the side, but if he is forced to drop out, then Odin Bailey would be the obvious replacement.

Wrexham received an injury boost earlier this month, with Paul Mullin returning after a punctured lung had kept him sidelined, and while the striker has not scored in his first two games this season, he is likely to keep his place in the side.

Ollie Palmer is the obvious choice to partner Mullin, having scored his first goal of the season against Grimsby Town last weekend, but Sam Dalby also made an impact off the bench, assisting Elliott Lee's goal, so Parkinson has a selection dilemma in attack.

Stockport County possible starting lineup:

Hinchcliffe; Southam, Horsfall, Pye, Touray; Collar, Sarcevic, Croasdale, Powell; Olaofe, Barry

Wrexham possible starting lineup:

Howard; Barnett, Hayden, Tozer, Boyle, McClean; Young, O'Connor, Lee; Palmer, Mullin

We say: Stockport County 1-1 Wrexham

Stockport County have managed to turn their form around in recent weeks, winning their last two away games, and Challinor will be hoping his side can continue their rise up the league table.

However, Wrexham have also hit a rich vein of form, defeating Grimsby 3-0 last time out, so we think a draw is the most likely result on Saturday.

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