Stockport vs Bolton: Can County Repeat Last Season's Thrashing?!
EFL League One is back! And Sunday kicks off with a cracker: Stockport County hosting Bolton Wanderers. All eyes are on Edgeley Park as Stockport look to repeat their dominant 5-0 victory from last season. Can they pull it off again?
Stockport's Momentum
Dave Challinor has transformed Stockport, taking them from the National League to League One promotion contenders. While last season ended in heartbreak with a play-off semi-final defeat, they're poised for another strong promotion push. Their settled squad and winning mentality make them a formidable opponent.
Bolton's Rebuild
Bolton, on the other hand, are in a state of transition. After a disappointing mid-table finish and the departure of key players like Aaron Collins and George Thomason, new manager Steven Schumacher faces a tough challenge. Integrating ten new signings and establishing a rhythm will be crucial for the Trotters.
Schumacher's Perspective
As Steven Schumacher said, "It's been a long off-season and an equally long pre-season. We feel that we’ve done some good work, we’ve brought in some new players to the squad...the real stuff starts on Sunday — and that's what everyone's looking forward to.” He acknowledges the challenge of facing a strong Stockport side but remains confident in his team's potential. He also noted the excitement of opening the season against a local rival, anticipating a tight contest.
Prediction Time
Given Stockport's stability and Bolton's ongoing rebuild, the home side are favourites. However, football is unpredictable, and Bolton will be eager to prove their worth. Expect a hard-fought match, but Stockport's momentum might just give them the edge. This match is live on Sky Sports, don't miss it!
- Key Matchup: Stockport's attack vs. Bolton's new-look defence.
- One to Watch: Keep an eye on Stockport's midfield maestro.