Sports Mole previews Saturday’s National League clash between Barnet and Stockport County, including predictions, team news and possible lineups.
National League leaders County Stockport will travel Barnett try to maintain their position at the top of the fifth division on Saturday afternoon.
After jumping to the top midweek, Stockport is dreaming of a return to the Football League while Barnet remains in midfield and far from the relegation zone.
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Stockport, who comfortably defeated Maidenhead United 3-0 in midweek, rose to the top of the National League for the first time this season and confirmed the excellent work of this boss Dave Challinor since arriving at Edgeley Park.
Finishing only 12th when the Chester-born coach left League Two for Hartlepool United and County, Chalinor has changed Stockport’s fortunes this season, going unbeaten in all but one of his 11 league games.
After seemingly giving up hopes of a promotion in the ex-manager’s final days Simon Russk‘s tenure, a return to the Football League for the first time since leaving in 2011, is now in County’s hands.
Bookmakers’ title favorite Chalinor has improved Stockport in almost every department so far, scoring 31 goals in his 11 games in charge compared to 11 in 12 games under Rusk.
On the other hand, defensive stability has also aided County’s rise to the top, with the Hatters conceding an average of 0.7 goals under Chalinor compared to 1.25 under Rusk.
Amid an eight-game win streak in all competitions, County will travel to Barnet for nine straight wins.
Given the ominous signs for the hosts, Barnet will no doubt draw optimism from a 2-1 win over County in the last meeting of the season between the two – October’s triumph at Edgeley Park saw Rusk lose his job as Stockport manager.
For the Bees, this season was a huge step up compared to last year when Barnet finished bottom of the National League – with the divisions below being declared null and void, the London-based club were pardoned from relegation to the National League South.
Having already fired a manager this season, Dean Brennan has enjoyed his time on the Barnet hotseat and has lost just four league games since taking charge in September.
A notable turnaround considering the Bees were hovering above the relegation zone as they parted ways with their former manager Harry Kewell, Barnet will now be eyeing a league double against the division leaders.
Traditionally, that game has not been profitable for Barnet, whose only win against Stockport in the last four years has been the triumph at Edgeley Park in the second leg.
County have won two of their last three meetings against Barnet, while Stockport are unbeaten in league games at the Bees since losing 2-1 in April 2004.
The pair were competing in the second division at the time, with Stockport hoping a fourth straight league win over Barnet will help them in their hopes of a fourth division return.
Form of the Barnet National League:
Barnet form (all competitions):
Stockport County National League Form:
Stockport County form (all competitions):
Team News
Adding to the success Challinor has tasted since joining Stockport is the fact that he has made only one signing and has instead used the resources already in place at the club.
After an unchanged squad was called up for the Maidenhead win, expect the midfield trio of Want collar, Ryan Croasdale and Antoni Sarčević to keep their positions.
Oliver Cranshaw could be in line for a return to the starting line-up after suffering from a wobble in recent weeks during Scott Quigley It is unlikely that he will return from injury in time.
They are hoping for this signing for Barnet Teddy Rowe is available to visit Stockport after the full-back arrived from Blackpool earlier this month.
After a break outside the squad with an injury, Daniel Powell is expected to compete again while Adam Marriott and Mason Bloomfield are both doubts for the clash.
Barnet possible starting line-up:
Oxborough; Turley, Halle, Brundle, Powell, Mason-Clark; Greenidge, Fonguck, Taylor; beard, forest
Stockport County possible starting lineup:
grinds; Hogan, Palmer, Kitching; Southam Hales, Collar, Croasdale, Rydel; Sarcevic; Madden, Jennings
We say Barnet 1-3 Stockport County
Stockport is purring at the moment and looks like the side most likely to enjoy an extended winning streak before clinching the title in May.
Barnet won’t be the easiest place to visit for County, but given their recent form it’s difficult to look past the Hatters to get all three points.
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