Stockport County weren’t far off promotion to the Championship final season, regardless of solely just lately being within the Nationwide League. They’re concentrating on a top-two end in 2025/26.
Bolton Wanderers can even hope to be concerned within the battle on the high finish of the third flight this time period. Will both of those groups get their promotion bids off to a successful begin on Sunday?
Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers greatest bets
Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers odds
Discover the newest Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers betting odds right here. All odds are offered by our beneficial soccer bookmakers and are topic to alter.
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Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers predictions
Stockport County followers haven’t skilled many lows over the previous few years.
They have been within the Nationwide League North as just lately as 2019, and promotion again to the EFL was solely secured three years later.
One other profitable season adopted in 2023/24, as Stockport took the League Two title to take their place in League One.
They didn’t merely make up the numbers there both. Dave Challinor’s aspect completed third final day trip, simply lacking out on automated promotion behind Wrexham, earlier than shedding to Leyton Orient within the play-offs.
That was a uncommon disappointment for Stockport, however you’ll not catch their followers grumbling. Below the astute management of Challinor, the Hatters are able to go once more this season.
Promotion is the goal, and with big-spending Wrexham and Birmingham Metropolis out of the best way, you need to fancy their possibilities. The bookies actually do: they’re the fourth-favourites to go up, behind solely their nicknamesakes Luton City, plus Huddersfield City and Cardiff Metropolis.
Bolton Wanderers will hope to be there or thereabouts too. They have been within the play-off positions firstly of April final season, however a dismal finish to the marketing campaign – Bolton drew two and misplaced 4 of their remaining six video games – noticed them drop all the way down to eighth.
Steven Schumacher has now had a full pre-season to work along with his squad, although, and the previous Plymouth Argyle supervisor has one promotion to the Championship on his CV already.
The lack of Aaron Collins, Bolton’s high scorer final day trip, to Milton Keynes Dons, is a blow, however the Trotters have introduced in six gamers up to now, together with the thrilling Xavier Simons from Hull Metropolis.
Schumacher believes he’s onto one thing at Bolton having struggled to make an impression at Stoke Metropolis in his final job.
“For me, that is good,” he informed the Inside The Recreation podcast earlier this month. “It is a membership that is bought an enormous fame, an enormous fanbase, large expectations, a great funds for the league, the placement works good.
“I believe if it [Bolton] will get into the Championship, it is bought the aptitude of what I used to be anticipating at Stoke. It may possibly finally go and kick on, and push to get into the Premier League.”
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Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers betting suggestions
Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers are able to do battle on the opening weekend of the EFL season.
Stockport County to win
Stockport have been 10 factors off high spot within the Nationwide League after they appointed Challinor in 2021.
The ex-Hartlepool United head coach has since led them to 2 promotions, but no different membership has been in a position to prise him away but.
That’s barely stunning, however Stockport followers aren’t complaining. Challinor is already considered one of their hottest managers of all time; if he takes them to the Championship this time period, his standing among the many supporters will solely develop additional.
Bolton are not any pushovers, however Stockport deserve their standing as favourites to win this opening-weekend conflict.
⚽ Go for a Stockport win at 9/10 with Spreadex ⚽
Over 2.5 targets
If Bolton Wanderers are to earn promotion to the Championship this season, it’s important that they tighten up on the again.
The Trotters conceded 70 targets final day trip – greater than Northampton City and Burton Albion, who solely simply averted relegation.
A -3 objective distinction stated every thing about Bolton’s shortcomings, and though they need to be sturdier defensively this time period, Stockport County have the attacking instruments to trigger them issues.
Neutrals can be happy to be taught that this has the makings of an open encounter. We anticipate three targets at a minimal.
⚽ Again over 2.5 targets at 5/6 with Tote ⚽
Malik Mothersille to attain any time
Malik Mothersille may go down as top-of-the-line signings any League One aspect has made this summer season.
The proficient ahead, who spent three years on the books of Chelsea as a teen, has joined Stockport County for a club-record charge of £800,000.
Mothersille impressed for Peterborough United in League One final time period. He was beforehand linked with Championship golf equipment, so it’s fairly a coup for Stockport to have purchased him.
Mothersille scored 12 league targets in 2024/25 and he ought to higher that tally taking part in for a greater workforce in 2025/26.
The attacker can open his account for Stockport by discovering the again of the web on Sunday.
⚽ Choose Malik Mothersille to attain any time at 19/10 with Ladbrokes⚽
📺 The right way to watch Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers
- Location: Edgeley Park, Stockport, England.
- Date and time: Sunday third August, 12pm.
- The right way to watch: Sky Sports activities Soccer.
In regards to the writer
Greg Lea
Greg Lea is a contract soccer author from London. He predominantly covers the Premier League and has had work printed by the Guardian, FourFourTwo, ESPN and others.
Observe Greg on X: @GregLeaFootball
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