Preview: Sixfields showdown as Stockport look to tighten top-four grip
Northampton Town welcome Stockport County to Sixfields Stadium on 01/01/2026 in what shapes up as a clash of contrasting seasons. Darren Drysdale will take charge as the Cobblers attempt to arrest a worrying run of results at home; Northampton sit 19th in League One with 27 points from 22 matches, while Stockport occupy a comfortable fourth place on 38 points. On paper the gulf is clear: Stockport have taken 11 wins and shown a greater attacking threat with 33 goals so far, while Northampton’s tally of 22 goals underlines their struggles to find consistent firepower.
Form and momentum
Recent results underline the momentum leaning toward the visitors. Northampton arrive after a 2-0 defeat at Huddersfield on 29 December, and that result followed a heavy 5-1 reverse at Burton Albion earlier in the month — flashes of resilience exist, such as a 3-1 home win against AFC Wimbledon, but defensive lapses have cost them: 28 conceded in 22 matches. Stockport, conversely, closed December with an emphatic 4-2 win over Doncaster Rovers, a game in which Kyle Wootton earned plaudits as the best player with a rating of 8.56. That result continued a pattern of high-scoring affairs for Stockport, who have produced a string of decisive wins and show a healthier goals-for figure both home and away (16 at home, 17 away).
H2H history gives a sliver of hope to the home crowd: the teams drew 1-1 in March, a reminder that Northampton can find a way to frustrate Stockport on their day. Yet the metrics favour County: they average nearly 12 shots per match to Northampton’s sub-9, and their attacks and shots-on-target totals point to a side capable of breaking down stubborn defences.
Key tactical pointers and match dynamics
At Sixfields, Northampton’s home numbers include seven clean sheets — evidence they can be disciplined — but they have conceded 18 of their goals at away venues, showing vulnerability when out of sync. Stockport’s balance of goals and chances suggests they will probe repeatedly; their matches have a higher share of over-2.5 outcomes, and their recent 4-2 and 2-1 results indicate they are comfortable in open contests. Expect Stockport to control possession phases and force Northampton into quick transitions. The referee appointment and the stadium’s compact capacity of 7,798 could influence tempo, but form and attacking volume point toward an away side confident on the road.
Betting tip
Given the data — league positions, recent results, shots and goals trends, plus the bookmakers’ own pricing that puts Stockport as favorites at 2.12 — the clearest value lies in the 1X2 market. Back Stockport County to win. For readers looking to refine approach or understand market selections, consider reading this primer on Soccer betting tips and the choice of markets, and to keep discipline on the stake, this piece on How to have emotional control when placing bets? is a useful companion.
