Preview
Right, so we've got Doncaster hosting Stockport County on 20 October in League One, and if you've been following the form books, this one's got a pretty clear shape to it.
Stockport County are flying. Four wins in their last five, and the last four of those have been wins โ seven goals scored, one conceded. That's a team on a roll. They beat Barnsley 3โ1 at home on 10 October, then held off Bromley 1โ0 seven days later. Their away record over the last 20 games is 9 wins, 4 draws, 7 losses, with 1.55 points per game and 1.55 goals scored per outing. That's a side that travels well and keeps the ball out of their own net. Their xG numbers back it up too โ 1.71 per game created over their last five matches with data, which is a healthy output.
Now look at Doncaster. Their home record over 20 games is 7 wins, 4 draws, 9 losses. That's a 1.25 points per game, and they've failed to score in 7 of those 20 home games. Their xG for is sitting at 0.62 per game over three matches โ that's a team struggling to create. They did pick up two home wins recently (1โ0 over Burton Albion and 1โ0 over Liverpool U21 in the EFL Trophy), but the last one out was a 2โ1 loss at Leicester on 17 October, and their xG in that game was just 0.54. They're not creating the chances to win.
The head-to-head at this ground tells the story even more. In the last two meetings at Doncaster's ground โ 3 March 2026 and 9 December 2025 โ Doncaster lost both, 0โ1 and 0โ2. Stockport County have won three of the four recent meetings between these sides, and the only blemish was a 1โ1 draw in the League Cup back in August. Over the full eight-game history, Doncaster have won just one, and they've failed to score in four of those eight.
The counter-argument? Well, Doncaster did keep two clean sheets at home recently, and that 1โ1 in August showed they can at least get a goal against Stockport. Also, Stockport County's away record isn't flawless โ seven losses in 20 away games means they can drop points on the road. And the most recent meeting was a draw, so it's not as if Stockport County have made this a one-sided affair every single time. But the weight of evidence points firmly one way.
Key Points:
- Stockport County have won their last 4 matches, scoring 7 and conceding just 1
- Doncaster have lost both recent meetings at this ground (0โ1 and 0โ2)
- Stockport County's away record: 9W 4D 7L over 20 games, 1.55 PPG
- Doncaster's home record: 7W 4D 9L over 20 games, 0.9 goals scored per game
- Doncaster's xG for is 0.62 per game; Stockport County's is 1.71 per game
Stockport County win at 1.91 is the pick here. The form, the head-to-head at this ground, and Doncaster's struggles to score all line up for an away win.
