Stockport County will make the trip to Wrexham on Sunday afternoon knowing that victory will secure the National League title and promotion back to the EFL.

However, Wrexham play host to the league leaders with the opportunity to move level on points with their rivals, who have played a game fewer and would still hold the advantage during the final week.

Match preview

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While Stockport have long been regarded as the favourites to win the fifth-tier title this campaign, Wrexham's storming run between February and April has put the Welsh club in contention for glory.

However, despite collecting 32 points during a 12-match period, Phil Parkinson's side have recently become inconsistent, ensuring that Stockport have retained the advantage.

Posting 11 points from their last six games have not only left Wrexham one defeat away from being forced down the playoff route, but still having concerns when it comes to remaining in the top three.

Parkinson has been left to find a balance between the two, the consequence of defeat being that a result may be needed at in-form Dagenham & Redbridge on the final day to guarantee third or better.

The Dragons had been on course to reduce Stockport's lead to just one point against Boreham Wood last time out, but their hosts scored a last-minute penalty having played 52 minutes with 10 men.

From Stockport's perspective, they will be comfortable with more pressure being on the shoulders of their hosts courtesy of having fewer games left to play.

Even if Stockport succumb at the Racecourse Ground, four points from home games against Torquay United and Halifax Town would still be enough to win the title.

Naturally, Dave Challinor will want promotion wrapped up as soon as possible, but ending a two-game losing streak with victory at Chesterfield earlier this week has kept their fate very much in their own hands.

County have scored just once in each of their five National League fixtures, two of those strikes being netted in the 90th minute or later.

Team News

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Having gone so close to success at Boreham Wood, Parkinson may be happy to go with the same Wrexham players which started that fixture.

If an alteration is made, it could come at right wing-back with Reece Hall-Johnson an alternative to Bryce Hosannah, who has not long returned from injury.

Paul Mullin netted his 24th goal of the campaign last time out and should partner Ollie Palmer in attack.

With another 60 minutes under his belt against Chesterfield, Hull City loanee Andy Cannon will hope to retain his place in the Stockport midfield.

Jordan Keane and Elliot Newby also took their opportunities at centre-back and wing-back respectively, leaving them in line to retain their spots in the team.

Wrexham possible starting lineup:
Dibble, French, Cleworth, Tozer; Hall-Johnson, Davies, Young, Jones, McFadzean; Mullin, Palmer

Stockport County possible starting lineup:
Hinchliffe; Palmer, Johnson, Keane; Newby, Cannon, Sarcevic, Croasdale, Hippolyte; Duffus, Madden

We say: Wrexham 1-1 Stockport County

While Wrexham would love to throw caution to the wind and push relentlessly for three points, they will not want to risk dropping down to fourth position at all costs. With that in mind, do not be surprised to see this game end on level terms, leaving Stockport on the brink of the title.

Written by
Darren Plant

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