Stockport County and Bristol Rovers meet in League One with both sides starting the new campaign in strong form.
Stockport County come into the clash with Bristol Rovers looking to maintain their perfect start to life back in League One after winning the League Two title last time around.
The Hatters claimed a routine win on home turf to start the campaign, defeating Cambridge United 2-0 at Edgeley Park.
A heavily rotated side was beaten by Blackburn Rovers in the Carabao Cup but Dave Challinor’s side produced a fantastic performance to beat Blackpool 3-0 last time out. It means they’re yet to concede in the league and sit top of the pile.
Bristol Rovers are also yet to be beaten in League One, though they’re not one of the sides with a 100% record alongside this weekend’s opponents.
The Gas beat Northampton 1-0 on the first weekend to start their season and would claim a good draw away to promotion contenders Rotherham United last time out.
Matt Taylor’s side have been beaten twice in the cups though. After a 2-0 defeat to Cardiff City in the Carabao Cup, they lost on penalties to Spurs’ U21s in the EFL Trophy.
Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…
James Ray
“Stockport County were tipped for success upon their rise from League Two and they’ve started impressively in League One. They’ve maintained their attacking prowess up a level while keeping things tight at the back to date too.
“There are tougher days ahead for the Hatters though, there’s no doubt about that.
“Bristol Rovers are a side capable of giving the home side some headaches too. They’ve been solid at the back themselves at this early stage but will be keen to show they’ve got the cutting edge at the other end of the pitch too.
“It’s a tough one to call, but on performances so far, I am leaning towards a home win. I’ll say Stockport emerge 2-1 winners.”
Prediction: Stockport County 2-1 Bristol Rovers
Harry Mail
“Stockport County have adapted well to life in League One following their promotion from League Two with two wins on the spin. The Hatters have recruited smartly and will fancy their chances at competing at the top end of the table.
“Bringing back Louie Barry on loan from Aston Villa was an inspired piece of business by the Hatters and he should be playing at a higher level.
“Bristol Rovers are in for a very tough test at Edgeley Park and will need to be at their best to get something. They drew away at Rotherham United last time out though and haven’t conceded in the league yet.
“I think the Gas may just fall short here though but it will be a close one.”