MY ACCOUNT
– Just two teams scored more than Stockport at home in League Two
– Salford were the joint-top scorers in League Two
– Recommended bet: Over 2.5 goals
Stockport trail Salford 1-0 as they prepare to square off in the second leg of their League Two play-off on Saturday.
The Hatters finished three places and four points clear of Salford during the regular season but they fell to a defeat in the first leg on Saturday.
Matt Smith’s first-half strike settled the tie at Peninsula Stadium and places the return leg at Edgeley Park on a knife edge.
Team news
Will Collar has missed Stockport’s last four games and is expected to be unavailable once again on Saturday.
Defender Joe Lewis was not involved in the matchday squad but the Welshman could come back into the fold.
Striker Paddy Madden could also be named in the XI as Dave Challinor looks to utilise his experience following a successful play-off campaign with Yeovil in 2013.
Salford duo Richard Narty and Ryan Watson have been absent since March and will remain sidelined for this clash.
Louie Barry came off the bench after returning from suspension in the first leg and boss Neil Wood could opt to deploy him from the start this time.
The stats
Stockport ended the regular League Two season with the third-highest points haul on home soil, winning 11 of their 23 games and losing just three.
Prior to Saturday’s first-leg loss, Stockport were on a 13-game unbeaten run and they have not lost at home in the league since November 19.
Salford were the joint-top scorers in League Two, registering 72 times along with eighth-placed Mansfield.
Prediction
Stockport eased to a 2-0 win at Salford when they travelled to Peninsula Stadium during the season but the reverse fixture ended in a 1-1 draw.
Last weekend’s win for Salford was their first over Stockport since the pair were in National League North in 2017.
Now the duo are dreaming of League One and the second leg of their play-off should be full of fireworks.
Salford have scored at least one goal in each of their last eight fixtures on the road and Stockport have conceded at least one in three of their last five at home.
It could prove to be a cagey start as Salford look to protect their lead but the longer it goes on the more open it should grow and then the goals should follow.
Back Over 2.5 goals at 19/20 with LiveScore Bet.
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