Preview: Stockport County vs. Crawley Town - prediction, team news, lineups

Stockport County play host to Crawley Town on Saturday afternoon looking for the win that will keep the club in the top six of the League One table.

Meanwhile, Crawley make the trip to Edgeley Park sitting five points adrift of safety, albeit with two matches in hand.

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Match preview

On the back of just one win from eight matches in all competitions, Stockport boss Dave Challinor was aware that the wheels were at risk of coming off the club's promotion bid.

That especially rang true ahead of a trip to fellow playoff-chasing outfit Reading, yet it was Stockport who came away with a potentially-pivotal 3-1 victory.

Having stormed into a two-goal advantage after 13 minutes, Stockport were able to negotiate the rest of the contest to move ahead of their opponents and into sixth spot on goal difference.

With none of the other teams between fourth and ninth winning their most recent encounters, Stockport have the momentum heading into a fixture against out-of-form opposition.

Nevertheless, despite winning seven of their 13 league games at Edgeley Park this season, Challinor's team have failed to prevail from either of their last two such matches.

Meanwhile, Crawley make the long trio North having failed to win any of their last six third-tier encounters.

Just two points have been accumulated during that run, letting slip a 4-1 lead at Exeter to draw and being held to bottom-placed Burton Albion at home.

Despite scoring a second-half leveller in that fixture, Rob Elliot's side are struggling to put together any meaningful form to remain competitive in their bid to avoid the drop.

That said, despite just two wins in their last 12 league matches, retaining two games in hand on the teams above them sprinkles a bit of hope on their efforts to move themselves back into the pack.

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Team News

With Isaac Olaofe needing to be withdrawn within minutes of the second half starting against Reading, Jack Diamond is ready to take his spot in attack.

Unless there are any further selection issues, Challinor could plausibly retain the remainder of the first XI.

Elliot is expected to make more alterations to his Crawley side with Ben Radcliffe - a recent acquisition from Derby County - potentially starting in central defence.

Bradley Ibrahim, Tyreece John-Jules and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy are also in contention having played their part in the comeback against Burton.

Junior Quitirna has established himself at wing-back since his return from injury and is in line for another start here.

Stockport County possible starting lineup: Hinchliffe; Knoyle, Connolly, Pye; Southam-Hales, Norwood, Camps, Touray; Collar; Wootton, Diamond

Crawley Town possible starting lineup: Wollacott; Barker, Conroy, Radcliffe; Kelly; Quitirna, Ibrahim, Camara, Adeyemo; Swan, Showunmi

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We say: Stockport County 3-1 Crawley Town

Although Crawley have avoided defeat in two of their last three games, this is a step up for Elliot's side. With that in mind, we are backing the home team to come through in style and remain on course for the playoffs.

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

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