Stockport County is set to face Harrogate Town in the EFL Trophy Round of 16 on Tuesday. This matchup presents Stockport with an opportunity to advance to the quarter-finals for the first time since 2007. Meanwhile, Harrogate is striving for success as they fight to avoid relegation in League Two.
Match Preview
Stockport County currently ranks fourth in League One, just six points shy of securing an automatic promotion spot. Recently, they celebrated a crucial victory against Huddersfield Town, with Benony Breki Andresson scoring a last-minute goal. This win snapped a two-match winless streak, which included a scoreless draw with Northampton and a loss to Reading.
In the EFL Trophy, Stockport secured their place in the Round of 16 by finishing second in their group and overcoming Crewe Alexandra in a penalty shootout. The Hatters boast a strong home record, having lost only four times at Edgeley Park this season. Moreover, they have not faced defeat against Harrogate since 2019.
Harrogate Town’s Struggles
Harrogate Town finds itself significantly lower in the league standings, currently in second-to-last place in League Two. The Sulphurites have been on a challenging run, failing to secure a league victory in their last 15 matches. However, they have thrived in the EFL Trophy, winning all four of their matches against teams like Mansfield Town and Newcastle United Under-21s.
Harrogate recently ended a four-game losing streak with a 1-1 draw against Crewe Alexandra, courtesy of a 93rd-minute equalizer from Tom Cursons. Manager Simon Weaver noted the positive changes in his squad following several key player returns from injury, fostering hopes for their league struggles.
Team News
- Stockport County: Missing Lewis Bate, Callum Connolly, Arttu Hoskonen, and Tyler Onyango due to injuries.
- Nathan Lowe has returned to Stoke City after sustaining a leg injury.
- Josh Stokes may start following his loan from Bristol City.
- Corey Addai is likely to start in goal, with Kyle Wootton continuing upfront.
- Harrogate Town: Expected to keep the same lineup after their draw against Crewe.
- Bryn Morris, George Thomson, and Reece Smith will likely remain in midfield.
- Tom Cursons could replace Shawn McCoulsky in attack.
Predictions
Anticipations for the match suggest Stockport County will emerge victorious with a predicted score of 2-0 against Harrogate Town. With their impressive home form and quality, Stockport appears poised to oust their struggling opponents in this critical EFL Trophy encounter.
