Stockport County vs. Blackpool: League One Clash at Edgeley Park
As the crisp autumn air settles over Edgeley Park, a pivotal League One encounter looms large this Saturday, October 11, 2025, as Stockport County host a struggling Blackpool side. This match isn’t just another fixture on the calendar; it’s a litmus test for both teams’ aspirations and a potential turning point in their respective seasons. Stockport, currently riding a wave of decent form, will be looking to solidify their push towards the playoff places, while Blackpool, reeling from a recent managerial change and languishing in the relegation zone, desperately needs a result to spark a revival. What questions hang in the balance today? Can the Hatters continue their ascendancy, or will the Seasiders, under new leadership, pull off an upset at a ground that has often proven challenging for them?
Head-to-Head
Historically, these two clubs have met on nine occasions across all competitions. Stockport County holds a slight edge in their rivalry, securing four victories to Blackpool’s three, with the remaining two matches ending in a draw.
- Total Matches Played: 9
- Stockport County Wins: 4
- Blackpool Wins: 3
- Draws: 2
The recent history between the two sides heavily favors Stockport County. Their last five competitive meetings have seen Stockport dominant, including victories in their two most recent League One clashes. On March 1, 2025, Stockport emerged victorious with a 2-1 home win, following a commanding 3-0 away triumph at Blackpool on August 17, 2024.
Current Form & Team News
Stockport County:
Stockport County enters this contest in commendable form, currently sitting 7th in the League One table with 5 wins, 4 draws, and 2 losses from their 11 matches so far this season. Their home record at Edgeley Park is solid, boasting 2 wins, 2 draws, and just 1 defeat.
In their last five League One outings, Stockport’s form has been mixed but generally positive:
- October 4, 2025: Huddersfield Town 1-2 Stockport County (W)
- September 27, 2025: Stockport County 1-1 Reading (D)
- September 20, 2025: Rotherham United 0-0 Stockport County (D)
- September 13, 2025: Stockport County 1-1 Cardiff City (D)
- September 6, 2025: Plymouth Argyle 4-2 Stockport County (L)
Team News: The Hatters will be without midfielder Tyler Onyango, who serves a one-game suspension. However, they can count on the prolific Kyle Wootton, who is the competition’s top scorer with five goals, and Oliver Norwood, who is second in the league for big chances created.
Blackpool:
Blackpool, conversely, finds themselves in a precarious position, occupying 23rd place in League One with a “very poor” overall form of 2 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses from 11 matches. Their away form is particularly concerning, having failed to secure a single victory in their five road games this season, recording five losses.
Their last five League One fixtures paint a grim picture:
- October 4, 2025: Blackpool 0-2 AFC Wimbledon (L)
- September 30, 2025: Blackpool 2-2 Luton Town (D)
- September 20, 2025: Blackpool 1-0 Barnsley (W)
- September 13, 2025: Northampton Town 1-0 Blackpool (L)
- August 30, 2025: Blackpool 1-1 Bolton (D)
Team News: The Seasiders are in a period of transition, having sacked head coach Steve Bruce on October 4, with Stephen Dobbie likely taking interim charge. They also face injury concerns, with defender Hayden Coulson rated doubtful for the match. Additionally, Danny Imray was stretched off with an injury on October 1st and is undergoing scans. Striker Niall Ennis is Blackpool’s top goalscorer with three goals and leads the team in shots on target per match. Jordan Brown has been a creative force, leading Blackpool in big chances created.
Tactical Preview
Stockport County, playing at home and in better form, is expected to take a proactive approach. Under manager Dave Challinor, they often favor an attacking style, likely deploying a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. The Hatters will aim to exploit Blackpool’s defensive vulnerabilities, especially given their porous record of conceding 19 goals in 11 League One games.
The midfield battle will be crucial. Stockport’s ability to create chances, spearheaded by Oliver Norwood, will test Blackpool’s resolve. With Kyle Wootton in superb scoring form, Stockport’s attacking prowess will be a constant threat.
Blackpool, under the guidance of a new interim manager, will likely prioritize defensive stability, possibly opting for a more cautious 4-4-2 or 5-3-2 setup. Their goal difference of 10:19 this season highlights their struggles at both ends of the pitch. While Niall Ennis offers an attacking outlet, Blackpool’s capacity to create meaningful opportunities might be hampered by their current form and potential tactical adjustments.
Playing at Edgeley Park, Stockport will benefit from home support and familiar conditions. As a standard mid-October League One fixture, adverse weather could play a role, but no extreme conditions are anticipated to disproportionately affect either side. Travel fatigue should not be a significant factor for Blackpool, as it’s a relatively standard away journey.
