EFL Trophy Clash: Salford City vs. Stockport County – A Battle for Progression
Peninsula Stadium, Salford | October 7, 2025, 6:00 PM BST
The Peninsula Stadium is set to host a captivating EFL Trophy encounter on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, as Salford City welcome local rivals Stockport County. This fixture, always charged with regional pride, takes on added significance as both sides vie for crucial points in the group stage. With both teams currently sitting on three points in their respective groups, a win here could secure qualification to the knockout stages, adding a tangible competitive edge to an already fervent derby atmosphere. What tactical battles will unfold, and which side will seize the momentum in this pivotal mid-week clash?
Head-to-Head Record
The historical rivalry between Salford City and Stockport County has seen its share of ebb and flow, creating a rich tapestry of encounters over the years. In 14 previous meetings across various competitions, Stockport County has held the upper hand.
- Total Matches Played: 14
- Salford City Wins: 2
- Draws: 6
- Stockport County Wins: 6
Recent history also leans in favour of the visitors, with Stockport County being unbeaten in their last four matches against Salford City, recording two wins and two draws.
Last 5 Meetings:
- 14 March 2024: Salford City 2 – 2 Stockport County (League Two)
- 28 November 2023: Stockport County 0 – 0 Salford City (League Two)
- 10 October 2023: Salford City 1 – 3 Stockport County (EFL Trophy)
- 20 May 2023: Stockport County 2 – 1 Salford City (League Two Play-off Semi-Final, Stockport won 5-2 on penalties)
- 13 May 2023: Salford City 1 – 0 Stockport County (League Two Play-off Semi-Final)
Notable outcomes include a high-scoring 5-2 penalty shootout victory for Stockport in a playoff semi-final in May 2023, showcasing the intense nature of these matchups.
Current Form & Team News (Speculative for Oct 2025)
As of early October 2025, both teams approach this EFL Trophy fixture with contrasting recent fortunes in their respective league campaigns, adding an intriguing layer to this regional derby.
Salford City:
The Ammies are currently enjoying a strong season in League Two, finding themselves comfortably within the top five, pushing for promotion to the third tier for the first time in their history. However, their recent form has seen a slight stutter, with the club having lost their last two matches in the league.
- Last 5 Matches (League Two – Speculative): W-W-L-L-W (Hypothetical: Wins against mid-table teams, losses against top contenders)
Team News: Manager Karl Robinson, appointed in January 2024, may opt for some rotation to manage squad fatigue and give fringe players an opportunity to impress in the EFL Trophy. While specific injuries are speculative, key attacker Nicolás Siri, valued at €600k and joined in August 2025, will be crucial if he features, potentially looking to reignite Salford’s attacking spark after their recent dip in league form. Tactical adjustments might be seen to address recent defensive vulnerabilities that contributed to their back-to-back league defeats.
Stockport County:
Stockport County, having established themselves in League One, are performing well, positioned within the top seven as they aim for a playoff push. Their recent away form has been particularly impressive, securing victories in their last two away matches.
- Last 5 Matches (League One – Speculative): W-D-W-W-L (Hypothetical: Strong performances, particularly on the road)
Team News: Manager Dave Challinor, who has been with County since November 2021, will likely also consider squad rotation given the demands of League One. Talented midfielder Lewis Fiorini is a speculative standout player who could influence the game with his vision and passing. Stockport’s strong away form suggests a confident squad, likely with few major injury concerns, allowing them to field a competitive, albeit rotated, side.
Tactical Preview
Given the speculative context of early October 2025, and assuming this is an EFL Trophy group stage match, both managers are likely to use this as an opportunity to test squad depth and tactical variations. Stockport, playing in a higher division, will likely approach the game with a degree of confidence, possibly employing a 4-3-3 or a flexible 3-5-2 to leverage their attacking talent and control the midfield. Their recent away form suggests an ability to be both defensively solid and clinical on the break.
Salford City, despite their recent league losses, will be keen to make a statement at home against their local rivals. They might opt for a more cautious 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on defensive solidity and quick transitions to exploit any spaces left by an adventurous Stockport side. The midfield battle will be crucial, with Salford needing to disrupt Stockport’s rhythm and prevent their creative players from dictating play. Set pieces could also be a key area for Salford to capitalize on, especially if Stockport rotates their defensive line.
The Peninsula Stadium’s pitch conditions are typically good, so environmental factors are unlikely to play a significant role. Travel fatigue will be minimal for both sides given the short distance between the clubs, allowing for a high-intensity affair.
