Stockport County play host to Rotherham United on Saturday afternoon knowing only a win will do if they wish to remain competitive in the hunt for automatic promotion.
While the home side sit in fourth place in the League One table, Rotherham's recent resurgence under new management has taken them up to 12th spot.
Match preview
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Behind what has largely been a runaway top three, Stockport have been going slowly about their business to remain in the hunt for automatic promotion.
Although it has taken 12 points from a possible 15 to stay in contention, Dave Challinor's side are still competitive with the gap to second-placed Wrexham at seven points.
With a game away at Wycombe Wanderers, who occupy third, on the final day of the campaign, anything remains possible if Wrexham fail to convert their current three-point advantage.
Stockport can only focus on their own games with County currently on a three-match winning streak after victories over Burton Albion, Stevenage and Exeter City.
There is also still an eight-point lead over seventh position, with the job yet to be completed where guaranteeing a playoff place is concerned.
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As for Rotherham, the departure of Steve Evans has acted as the catalyst for their best spell of the campaign under interim boss Matt Hamshaw.
Three victories in a row have been posted against Northampton Town, Blackpool and Bolton Wanderers as Hamshaw puts himself in the running for the permanent position.
Rotherham have now avoid any kind of a relegation battle heading into the run-in, while a top-10 spot is still a possibility if they can extend his run of wins.
Despite Stockport only losing three of their 20 matches at Edgeley Park in the league this season, Rotherham make the trip with three of their five away victories in 2024-25 coming since the start of March.
Team News
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Will Collar is in line to start for Stockport having replaced Owen Moxon in the first half against Exeter City.
That could prove to be the only alteration with Challinor able to rest several of his key men during the closing quarter at St James Park, Oliver Norwood the only one of the midfield and attack to complete the 90 minutes.
Changes will also be kept to a minimum by Rotherham boss Hamshaw as he looks to record a fourth successive win.
Sam Nombe made it 11 goals for the league in 2024-25 with the winner at Bolton and he will remain on the left-hand side of a front three.
Stockport County possible starting lineup:
Addai; Hills, Horsfall, Pye, Touray; Collar, Norwood; Fevrier, Diamond; Olaofe, Wootton
Rotherham United possible starting lineup:
Dawson; Rafferty, Odoffin, Humphreys, James; Sibley, Mpanzu, Powell; Holmes, Wilks, Nombe
We say: Stockport County 2-1 Rotherham United
With Rotherham on the up, this has all the makings of an interesting contest, Stockport vulnerable to playing a team able to compete without any pressure. Nevertheless, that extra cutting edge may prove important, leading us to back a narrow triumph for the home side.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Darren Plant
