Preview:Peterborough United vs Stockport County - prediction, team news, lineups

Looking for their fourth straight win in all competitions, Peterborough United host Stockport County in a League One clash on Thursday night.

The Posh have won every game since the arrival of their new manager but still remain in the relegation zone, while the Hatters sit top of the table and will be aiming to extend their lead.

Match preview

Just four days after Darren Ferguson departed as Peterborough United manager for the fourth time, he was replaced by Luke Williams, who has enjoyed three wins from his opening three matches.

An impressive 5-0 win in the third tier over AFC Wimbledon was sandwiched between an FA Cup victory over Cardiff City and a late EFL Trophy success against Crawley Town.

This will be only their second League One fixture of the month following the postponement of their match against Mansfield Town last weekend due to international call-ups.

The Posh were bottom of the division with one of the league's worst attacks and defences before Williams arrived but have since scored eight and conceded just once, highlighting a significant upturn in form.

While a victory will not be enough to lift them out of the relegation zone, it would mark a fourth consecutive win and further boost the growing confidence around the club.

As for the visitors, Stockport County have enjoyed an excellent campaign so far after narrowly missing out on promotion to the Championship last season, and like their opponents, their most recent League One fixture was also postponed due to international call-ups.

Losing to Leyton Orient on penalties in last year's playoff semi-finals has strengthened Dave Challinor's ambition to secure automatic promotion this time around, with his side sitting top on 28 points.

With eight wins, four draws and just three losses in their 15 League One games, Stockport County will be hoping to capitalise on their game in hand over second place Lincoln City and go three points clear.

A key feature of their impressive season has been away form, with no side taking more points on the road, as the Hatters have won four of their seven away games and will be looking to extend that run on Thursday night.

Despite their great start to the 2025-26 campaign, their last League One outing saw them fall to a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Jack Wilshere's Luton Town, and Challinor's men will be keen to get back to winning ways at the earliest opportunity.

Peterborough have not beaten Stockport in the league since 2009, adding further incentive for the hosts to end that long run.

Peterborough United League One form:

L W L W W W

Peterborough United form (all competitions):

W L L W L W

Stockport County League One form:

D W W W W L

Stockport County form (all competitions):

W W W W L W

Team News

Williams may still be looking to find his best Peterborough XI and is likely to recall several first-team players after rotating for the EFL Trophy.

The Posh will however be unable to call upon Cian Hayes, George Nevett, Rio Adebisi and Sam Hughes.

After ending his goal drought with a brace against Wimbledon, Harry Leonard is expected to lead the line, while Alex Bass should return as the number one goalkeeper.

As for Stockport County, they will also look to make changes after their EFL Trophy win over Wigan Athletic.

The Hatters welcome the return of Owen Dodgson, who has served his suspension following a red card, and Benony Breki Andresson, who returns from international duty with Iceland Under-21s.

Challinor will likely continue with Kyle Wootton up top, who will look to add to his six League One goals.

Peterborough United possible starting lineup:

Bass; Kioso, Lees, O'Connor, Mills; Collins, Woods; Odoh, Garbett, Lisbie; Leonard

Stockport County possible starting lineup:

Hinchliffe; O'Keeffe, Connolly, Pye, Dodgson; Diamond, Camps, Moxon; Lowe, Wootton, Bailey

We say: Peterborough United 0-2 Stockport County

Despite Peterborough's perfect start under Williams, it is hard to look past Stockport County and their formidable away form. With the Posh fighting at the bottom of the League one table and taking on the best away side in the division, we expect the Hatters to continue their great run on the road and take all three points on Thursday night.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.