Cardiff City vs Stockport County: Prediction, Lineups, and Team News Preview
Cardiff City will host Stockport County on Saturday afternoon in a thrilling League One matchup. As the league leaders, Cardiff City is on a six-match unbeaten streak, while Stockport County enters the game having lost only once in 2026.
Match Preview
Cardiff’s impressive form comes after their relegation from the Championship last season. Under the management of Brian Barry-Murphy, they have enjoyed significant success. So far, Barry-Murphy has overseen 36 games across all competitions, achieving a win rate of 63.9% with 23 victories, four draws, and nine losses. Their recent triumph against third-placed Bradford City was pivotal in their promotion efforts, with goals from David Turnbull and Calum Chambers securing a vital away win.
Currently topping the League One table, Cardiff City could extend their lead over second-placed Lincoln City to nine points with a victory this weekend. Their home ground is regarded as the strongest in the division, bolstering their confidence as they prepare to face Stockport County.
Stockport County Outlook
Stockport County narrowly missed out on a Championship spot last season. This year, they aim for promotion and currently sit fourth in League One with 45 points from 26 matches. Their record includes 13 wins, six draws, and seven losses. Stockport secured a thrilling 3-2 victory against Rotherham United, courtesy of a late goal from Benony Breki Andresson, continuing their strong start to the calendar year.
Despite facing one of the toughest teams at home, Stockport boasts the second-best away record in the league, with 21 points accrued from 12 away matches. The previous encounter between these two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, featuring a last-minute equalizer from Yousef Salech.
Recent Form
- Cardiff City League One Form: W W D W D W
- Stockport County League One Form: L W D L W W
- Stockport County Overall Form: W D L W W W
Team News
In light of their good run of form, Cardiff manager Barry-Murphy may keep the lineup consistent. Unfortunately, the squad will not include Omari Kellyman due to a suspected groin injury and Dylan Lawlor, who is sidelined with a hamstring issue. Yousef Salech, who has netted 12 goals this season, is likely to lead the attack.
Stockport County, while facing some injury challenges, will see the return of Andresson, who impressed by scoring off the bench in their recent match. They will, however, miss Lewis Bate, Callum Connolly, Arttu Hoskonen, and Tyler Onyango. New signing Josh Stokes, on loan from Bristol City, has been in remarkable form, scoring three goals in his last two outings.
Predicted Lineups
Cardiff City: Trott; Ng, Osho, Chambers, Bagan; Wintle, J. Colwill; Tanner, Turnbull, Ashford; Salech
Stockport County: Hinchliffe; Olowu, Hills, Pye; Dacres-Cogley, Norwood, Osborn, Edun; Andresson, Wootton, Stokes
Final Prediction
This matchup promises to be competitive, as both teams strive for promotion. Based on current performance levels, we predict Cardiff City will narrowly defeat Stockport County 2-1, marking their seventh consecutive match without a loss.
