Michael Skubala and his players return to the LNER Stadium this weekend as they set their sights on becoming history makers (and securing another three points), with play-off-chasing Stockport County standing in their way, writes Kyle Fox.
Stockport have had a ten-day hiatus since beating Doncaster Rovers in the EFL Trophy semi-final to book a place at Wembley for the final. While their recent league form has seen them falter, a final at Wembley can define a whole season and is always a momentous occasion for the entire club; it will be no different in Stockport’s case.
But, their league form must improve, especially in terms of some key defensive metrics that are currently displaying worrying trends. For example, Stockport have failed to keep a clean sheet in each of their last six away games, have conceded at least two goals in each of their last three games, and have lost their last three away matches. From January 10 to February 7, County won four and drew two matches, alongside progressing twice in the EFL Trophy during the same period. Since then, they have lost three of their last four league games while conceding seven goals. The Hatters do currently still sit fourth in the away results table, despite their recent away defeats.
This recent dip in form has seen them drop to fifth, with Bradford now currently occupying fourth spot. Despite the fact they hold games in hand, Stockport will now be more aware than ever of how close the teams behind them are, as they sit on 56 points. Huddersfield are one point behind, Reading and Stevenage are two points behind, Wycombe are three points behind, and even Plymouth trail them by just four points.
Stockport County Form
The previously discussed poor run for Stockport included some very bad results for different reasons, including a 1–0 defeat away to fellow play-off-chasing Bradford, a 3–0 loss away at relegation-threatened Burton Albion and, in their last league outing, a 2–1 defeat away at Stevenage, who also have play-off ambitions. They did win away from home in their latest away fixture, beating Doncaster 1-0 to reach the EFL Trophy final. It is worth mentioning that the previous, more positive run mentioned earlier involved wins against play-off contenders Plymouth and Huddersfield, plus a draw away at Cardiff.
The Hatters rank fairly strongly across a number of metrics, but they do not stand out particularly positively or negatively in most areas, apart from ranking first for accurate long balls per match (29.1). Notably, they rank fifth for average possession (54.2%) and sixth for accurate passes per match (321.7), suggesting real adaptability and versatility.
Dave Challinor’s team also rank highly in 3rd for accurate crosses per match (5.10), seventh for shots on target per match (4.40), and seventh for xG difference (9.7). Curiously, they are also joint second for penalties awarded, with six. Out of possession, their strengths lie in possession won in the final third per game (3.9) and tackles per match (17.5). County rank third in both of those metrics and are also relatively high in sixth for xG conceded (38.3).
Kyle Wootton is a major threat for Stockport and could cause some problems for Lincoln’s seemingly impenetrable current defensive structure. He sits on 17 league goals with three assists and ranks second in the division’s top scorer’s chart. It does show a reliance on Wootton, as County’s record when he does not score or assist is poor. The gulf between him and the next highest league scorer is 12 goals, with Jack Diamond and Oliver Norwood tied as the next highest scorers on five each. Former Imp Diamond is also dangerous, having recorded five goals and seven assists in the league this season, while the quality of Norwood poses an obvious threat too.
Lincoln have the opportunity to break a club record on Saturday after their fiercely contested 1–0 victory over Exeter took their unbeaten streak to 19 games, equalling the record set in the 2018/19 season. City now sit top of the table, four points clear of Cardiff in second, with the focus now on another three points that would create an unbelievable new record.
Team News
There was no mention of injuries in Michael Skubala’s pre-match press conference this Thursday. However, we fortunately already know the situation with most of them from previous interviews. Adam Jackson is close to returning to full match fitness, Josh Honohan should not be too far away either, but Freddie Draper remains sidelined with his injury.
Stockport also do not appear to have any fresh injury concerns. Another former Imp, Callum Connolly, has been out since early December. Callum Camps has not featured since November, and neither has another former City player, Lewis Fiorini. Tyler Onyango was recently ruled out for the rest of the season. Andresson has also been sidelined since the end of January, while the returning Louie Barry is still yet to feature.
Stockport Predicted XI
Addai, Pye, Hills, Dacres-Cogley, Edun, Olowu, Diamond, Norwood, Bate, Sidibeh, Wootton.
Previous Meetings
Lincoln have had the edge in meetings between the two sides across this season and last season, with the teams not having faced each other prior to that since 2013.
October 2024 at Sincil Bank saw Lincoln win 2–1, with goals from Cadamarteri and House after Stockport had taken the lead inside ten minutes through Olaofe. The return fixture last season saw the home side edge a 3–2 win in what was truly a game of two halves. Lincoln started well and scored two excellent goals through House and Ring to go into half-time 2–0 up. Fevrier scored early in the second half to set the tone, Collar levelled things on 78 minutes, before Olaofe found the winner on 81 minutes.
This season, Lincoln finally broke their Boxing Day curse with a 2–1 win at Edgeley Park. Hackett struck first before Fevrier equalised in the second half after Wickens superbly saved a penalty but inadvertently pushed the ball back into danger, allowing Fevrier to score easily. Reeco Hackett was then involved again as he won a penalty after the 90th minute, which Rob Street convincingly slotted home to finally secure a Boxing Day victory for the Imps.
Prediction
Lincoln 2-1 Stockport
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