Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers meet on Sunday (03/02/2025) in arguably the standout game of the opening weekend, with League One and League Two set to begin their long and arduous campaign.
The Hatters were thwarted at the hands of playoff finalists Leyton Orient in the semi-finals of the playoffs last season on penalties, and this season they will look to be the leading contenders once again. Dave Challinor has an excellent promotion record as a manager, and he has looked to acquire some firepower on his side by signing highly rated Peterborough United striker, Malik Mothersille, who had a year left on his contract. Mothersille is expected to heavily feature for the Hatters given his impressive 21 goal contributions for a struggling Peterborough United last season.
Stockport County have played only three recognisable pre-season fixtures and have won only once during this period, having just suffered a 1-0 loss to Hull City at home. Defensively, the home side have been relatively poor, with no clean sheets in their previous 10 matches and having conceded first in eight of their previous 10 games.
Bolton Wanderers are in excellent form under Steven Schumacher, with his side unbeaten in seven matches and having won their previous five coming into this game. The Trotters have been ruthless in front of goal by scoring first in their last six matches, alongside astute forward signings such as Mason Burstow being added to the ranks. Bolton Wanderers have bolstered their midfield ranks with the additions of Xavier Simons (Hull City) and Ethan Erhahon (Lincoln City).
Stockport County did win both league meetings last season, but the impressive form of the Trotters, accompanied by their recent signings, could provide the edge in this fixture. Given their tendency to concede, we are going for a 2-0 victory to Bolton Wanderers in the opening weekend.
Stockport County 0-2 Bolton Wanderers
