Stockport vs Bolton predictions: Hatters to make home advantage count
Stockport won both 2024-25 meetings with Bolton without conceding
The Hatters finished third in the 2024-25 League One, while Bolton were eighth
Recommended bet: Stockport to win to nil
Stockport County almost made it two promotions on the bounce but finished third in League One last season, before losing to Leyton Orient on penalties in the play-off semi-finals.
They start the new campaign at home to Bolton, who were eighth last term, 19 points behind the Hatters.
Steven Schumacher was appointed last January and, after a spell assessing the squad, is aiming to emulate his heroics at Plymouth by guiding the Trotters back to the Championship.
That is also Stockport's goal and, having won their division in the last two seasons that finished in an even number (2021-22 and 2023-24), they are tipped to make a strong start at Edgeley Park.
The latest Stockport vs Bolton odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Team news
Isaac Olofe's move to Charlton looks to be Stockport's only significant loss from last season.
Boss Dave Challinor appears to have added well, with loan striker Nathan Lowe an excellent replacement.
Fellow new arrivals Malik Mothersile and Corey O'Keefe are potential matchwinners and could both start, while Finland international defender Arttu Hoskonen should also get the nod.
Schumacher could turn to Mason Burstow to remedy last season's centre-forward issue.
However, limited reinforcements mean it is unclear who will start in a defence that conceded 70 goals last season, the worst record among the top 11 teams in the division.
The stats
Stockport finished last season third on 87 points, 19 points clear of eighth-placed Bolton, while the Hatters have won promotion in two of the last four seasons.
County won both meetings in 2024-25, triumphing 5-0 at home and 1-0 away.
Wanderers finished last season with a run of six game without a victory, but the Trotters have won all five of their pre-season fixtures.
New Stockport striker Lowe netted 15 goals in 22 games on loan at League Two Walsall last season.
The latest Stockport vs Bolton odds are available on LiveScore Bet
Prediction
Stockport are a club that continues to get bigger and better, and after being the unlucky ones to finish behind Birmingham and Wrexham last season, will feel it is their turn to go up automatically.
Challinor has added further quality to his squad and is a smart coach who improves players.
Schumacher is an equally shrewd operator and, while results did not necessarily improve after replacing Ian Evatt, the 41-year-old will have used his time wisely to school his players and assess his squad.
Burstow looks a good signing after some encouraging moments for Hull last term, while Xavier Simons comes in on a permanent deal from the Tigers and will benefit from a run of regular games after a sparkling youth career that is still to take off as a senior.
After failing to win their last six in 2024-25, Wanderers will be newly confident after their encouraging pre-season.
If Bolton are to compete for promotion, they may find out what it takes to do so at Edgeley Park.
Stockport have not been as good this summer, but have faced a better quality of opposition.
They might think that makes them more battle-hardened and could help them to squeeze out another victory.
