Stockport County vs Lincoln Prediction: 26.12.2025 League One 2025/26

There’s always something special about Boxing Day fixtures – the traditions, the charged atmospheres, and teams jostling for crucial points as the League One season edges closer to its second half. This year, Stockport County host Lincoln at Edgeley Park Stadion in Stockport, both sides well in the playoff race and desperate to build festive momentum. What makes this tie riveting isn’t just the punch-for-punch form but the tactical contrast: Stockport’s possession-based 4-2-3-1 up against Lincoln’s dynamic 3-4-2-1, each with its own blend of grit and flair. Will Dave Challinor’s County solidify their top-four spot, or will Michael Skubala’s Imps edge closer to Cardiff atop the table?

Key players to watch? For Stockport, the imposing presence of Kyle Wootton in attack has been crucial, while Lincoln’s Reeco Hackett-Fairchild is in fine goal-scoring fettle, bagging three in his last five. Both sides know the battle could be decided in midfield, where Ben Osborn’s all-action displays vie with Tom Bayliss’s creative spark.

Hot stat: Lincoln have scored in each of their last five league matches, showing a growing potency in attack—one that could tilt the scales in a high-stakes contest on Norwegian soil.

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Stockport County vs Lincoln prediction

This looks set to be a lively, finely poised encounter between two sides whose seasons have marked them as legit promotion contenders. The bookmakers have Stockport County as marginal favourites (c. 44 percent win probability), and with good reason: they boast a slightly better record in the current campaign, a home advantage of sorts despite the Bergen venue, and a more settled core of players.

My top prediction is for Stockport County to take the points — Draw No Bet: Stockport County. Why? Despite Lincoln’s marginally better recent win rate (50 percent last six), Stockport’s home “aura”, tactical solidity, and the firepower of Wootton make them well-placed against a Lincoln side that occasionally leaves gaps at the back. However, Lincoln’s strong away output and scoring streak shouldn’t be overlooked; expect them to be dangerous on the break.

In terms of game style, Stockport prefer a controlled buildup (65 total shots, strong pass accuracy of 79 percent), but aren’t averse to physical duels (66 fouls in last 5). Lincoln balance neat passing (68 percent accuracy) with a willingness to press and disrupt, reflected in higher bookings (10 yellows in 5 matches) but a knack for winning key interceptions. Given both sides’ fouls and cards tallies, there’s a good chance tempers flare, especially with the midfield battleground. The tempo may slow in spells, but each team has the quality to strike quickly.

Team Analysis

Stockport County’s recent matches showcase a side capable of both grinding and blossoming in front of goal. They’re coming off a 2-1 win over Mansfield—hard-earned, with Wootton’s relentless movement and Ben Osborn’s late surges from midfield standing out. Before that, a slip-up versus Stevenage (1-3) exposed fragility out wide, which Challinor will have worked on. Still, three wins in their last six, 6 goals and only 6 yellows in their last five show a side balancing flair with discipline—vital in a promotion hunt.

Lincoln are in bullish form, fresh from a thrilling 2-1 win over league leaders Cardiff City, where Reeco Hackett-Fairchild’s goalscoring exploits grabbed attention and their 3-4-2-1 shape provided width and dynamism. A stoppage-time equaliser against Blackpool (2-2) highlighted resilience, and their eight goals in five underline a threat going forward. They do concede, but their defensive structure is improving under Skubala, and Tom Bayliss’s creative midfield work remains key.

Most recent Head-to-Head Matches

🚨Read our full Stockport County vs Lincoln stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Stockport County the favourite

• Moneyline Stockport County 2.14 | Lincoln 3.53
• Draw 3.35
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.98 | Under 2.5 1.74
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.79 | No 1.96

With bookies favouring Stockport and Lincoln’s price drifting above 3.5, there’s no overwhelming belief in either camp, reflecting the teams’ parity in the table and prior H2H. Over 2.5 goals at just under evens seems strong, given both sides’ scoring bursts, while “both to score” also carries value—recent results suggest defensive resolve but not impenetrability. Watch the team news; starting elevens could shift value, especially with so many attacking options between the clubs.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Stockport County possible starting eleven

Challinor is likely to persist with a 4-2-3-1, anchored by Corey Addai between the posts. The backline mixes youth and experience, while midfield sees Ben Osborn and Owen Moxon providing energy. Jack Diamond offers guile and carries a goalscoring threat, with Odin Bailey also capable of making driving runs beyond Wootton. All eyes should be on Wootton—his hold-up play and penchant for finding pockets inside the box make him a prime candidate to tilt the balance. If Osborn gets forward, expect late penalty-box arrivals.

Lincoln possible starting eleven

Lincoln are likely to stick with their tried and tested 3-4-2-1, with Wickens in goal and Bradley marshalling the back three. Tom Bayliss and Adam Reach will be charged with controlling tempo and springing attacks from deep. Midfield is where the Imps excel in transitions—look out for Hackett-Fairchild as the main attacking spark, supported by Street’s hard running and Draper’s physicality up top. The system allows them to press high, but they can be caught out if Stockport transition quickly.

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My take on the Match

In my view, Stockport’s tactical discipline and slight edge in attacking output will prove just enough to see them through here, although there’s little to separate either side. Both clubs have attacking quality—expect goals and drama! The Draw No Bet on Stockport offers the best blend of value and safety, while fans can look forward to an open, hard-fought contest under the Bergen lights. Whichever side you’re backing, it’s clear both are set to play a prominent role in the League One run-in. Up the Hatters—and let the Boxing Day fireworks begin!

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