Stockport vs Bolton: football previews & free football betting tips, 3rd August 2025.
Stockport County vs Bolton Wanderers Match Preview – August 3, 2025
As the 2025/26 EFL League One season kicks off, fans are in for a treat with an exciting opening day clash between Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers at Edgeley Park. This encounter pits two promotion hopefuls against each other, with both teams looking to make a statement early in the campaign. With the match scheduled for 12:00 BST, let’s dive into the key aspects of this fixture, including team news, summer transfer activity, head-to-head records, key statistics, and a predicted outcome.
Team News
Stockport County enters the match with a largely fit squad, though they will be without a few key players. Tayo Edun and Lewis Bate are sidelined for approximately a month due to injuries, while Arttu Hoskonen, a recent summer signing, is also doubtful after picking up a knock. However, new loan signings Nathan Lowe from Stoke City and Owen Dodgson from Burnley are available and could feature. Manager Dave Challinor is expected to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Ben Hinchliffe likely in goal. The backline may include Corey O’Keeffe, Fraser Horsfall, and Hoskonen if fit, with Dodgson potentially at left-back. Midfield could see Ryan Croasdale and Will Collar, while the attacking trio might feature Jack Diamond, Antoni Sarcevic, and record signing Malik Mothersille, who is set to lead the line.
Bolton Wanderers, under Steven Schumacher, face some injury concerns but have a revamped squad ready to go. Sam Dalby is out with a hamstring injury, and Will Forrester, Kyle Dempsey, and Richard Taylor remain sidelined. New loan goalkeeper Teddy Sharman-Lowe from Chelsea is expected to start, with a possible 4-2-3-1 setup. The defense might include Josh Dacres-Cogley, Eoin Toal, and George Johnston, with Max Conway potentially making his debut at left-back. Midfield could feature Ethan Erhahon and Xavier Simons, while the attack may see Amario Cozier-Duberry, John McAtee, and Thierry Gale supporting loan striker Mason Burstow, who recently joined from Hull City.
Summer 2025 Transfer Activity
Stockport County have been active in the transfer market, aiming to build on their third-place finish last season. The standout move was breaking their 27-year-old transfer record to sign Jamaican striker Malik Mothersille from Peterborough United, where he scored 16 goals in 57 appearances. Defensively, they added Finland international Arttu Hoskonen on a two-year deal and Corey O’Keeffe from Barnsley. Loan signings Nathan Lowe from Stoke City and Owen Dodgson from Burnley add depth, though the departures of Tanto Olaofe, Will Collar, and Fraser Horsfall could impact their defensive stability.
Bolton Wanderers have undergone a significant squad overhaul following an eighth-place finish. Key departures include Ricardo Santos, Gethin Jones, and Nathan Baxter, but Schumacher has brought in exciting talent. Permanent signings include Ethan Erhahon from Lincoln City, Thierry Gale from Rapid Vienna, and Xavier Simons from Hull, with a combined spend nearing two million euros. Loan additions like Teddy Sharman-Lowe, Mason Burstow, and Amario Cozier-Duberry from Chelsea, Hull, and Brighton respectively, bolster their attacking options, though injuries to Dalby and others pose early challenges.
Head-to-Head Record
The historical rivalry between Stockport County and Bolton Wanderers adds spice to this fixture. In their last 12 meetings across all competitions, Stockport have won 5, Bolton 2, with 5 ending in draws. The most recent encounters in the 2024/25 League One season saw Stockport dominate, securing a 5-0 victory at Edgeley Park and a 1-0 win at the Toughsheet Community Stadium. The head-to-head goal average stands at 3.45 per match, with three of the last five meetings featuring at least four goals, suggesting a tendency for entertaining, high-scoring affairs.
Key Statistics
Stockport County finished last season with an impressive home record, winning 16 of their 23 matches at Edgeley Park, scoring 72 goals league-wide—second only to champions Birmingham City. They lost just 9 of their 46 games, boasting a defensive record of 42 goals conceded. Their recent form at home includes an 11-match unbeaten streak, giving them a strong platform to start the season.
Bolton Wanderers, meanwhile, ended last season with a poor run, taking just 2 points from their final 6 matches, though pre-season has seen a resurgence with 5 consecutive wins. They scored 67 goals last term but conceded 54, highlighting defensive vulnerabilities. Away form was a weakness, with only 1 win in their last 6 away league games, though their new signings could shift this dynamic.
Result Prediction
This match pits two ambitious sides with contrasting pre-season momentum. Stockport’s home advantage and recent dominance over Bolton, combined with their solid defensive record and the addition of Mothersille, give them an edge. Bolton’s new-look squad shows promise, but injuries and a lack of away form temper their challenge. Expect a tight contest, with Stockport likely to capitalize on home support. The prediction is a 2-1 victory for Stockport County, with Mothersille potentially opening his account and Bolton’s attacking flair ensuring a response, though not enough to overturn the Hatters’ resolve.
This opening day clash promises to set the tone for both teams’ promotion aspirations, and Edgeley Park is set to be buzzing as the season begins.
Betting Tips
Stockport to win at even money