At the summit of the League One table, Cardiff City will look to retain an early spell of great momentum in this weekend’s visit to Stockport County. Brian Barry-Murphy’s side have gained 16 points from six matches and even hold a game in hand on their nearest current competitors, Doncaster Rovers – who sit in second.
Stockport need to find some healthy form again, following a drop down to ninth being the result of an uncharacteristic performance against a rejuvenated Plymouth Argyle side. Dave Challinor’s side boasts some exceptional attacking quality, with the Bluebirds adopting and perfectly executing a youth-oriented approach to their new era under Barry-Murphy.
League One
Our Three Predictions for Stockport County vs Cardiff City
- First Prediction: Chris Willock to score anytime 7/2
- Second Prediction: Cardiff City to win 29/20
- Third Prediction: Stockport County under 0.5 goals 11/5
Betting odds are correct at time of writing via MyriadPlay
First Prediction for Stockport County vs Cardiff City – Chris Willock to score anytime 7/2
After a slow start to the third tier campaign for Cardiff’s Chris Willock, amid ongoing fears from fans over his complacency during last season’s Championship relegation, the winger has been immense in back-to-back victories over Luton Town and Plymouth. In the most recent, 4-0 decimation of the Pilgrims, Willock scored and assisted in a 67-minute performance.
Having cemented more of a starting place in a new-look, Barry-Murphy outfit, Willock could easily add a third goal of his campaign against a struggling County side this weekend. If not for a six-save performance from Nathan Trott in the 1-0 victory over Luton, the 27-year-old would have claimed a man of the match outing.
Injury doubts over Rubin Colwill’s involvement could lead to either a central-attacking role for Willock, or a continuation in his natural left-wing area. The 27-year-old can link up tremendously with Yousef Salech as the number nine, Callum Robinson in the same striker position, and with Cian Ashford on the opposite flank.
Second Prediction for Stockport County vs Cardiff City – Cardiff City to win 29/20
Not only have the Bluebirds fail to lose this season, but they have also embarked on a cup run in the EFL Cup and asserted themselves as early league-leaders. Comfortably sitting at the top of the table, Barry-Murphy’s side have been rejuvenated despite a gutting relegation last campaign. The former Manchester City Academy and Rochdale head coach has injected a fresh, youth-focused system within Cardiff. Decisions to field promising youngsters at the Bluebirds have led to some flourishing talent being given a great platform in League One.
With the signing of Trott – on loan from FC Copenhagen – Cardiff look like an immense, resolute defensive unit. The goalkeeper is yet to concede in the third tier and could shut out Stockport as the Bluebirds’ attacking lineup overwhelms County. Having now put three or more goals past Rotherham United, Cheltenham Town and Plymouth in various competitions, Cardiff will be expected to overpower Challinor’s side and grab yet another three points away from home. Form does not seem to falter away from the Cardiff City Stadium, with the Welsh side sitting at the top of the away form table.
Third Prediction for Stockport County vs Cardiff City – Stockport County under 0.5 goals 11/5
This one carries some risk, as the attacking talent that Challinor’s lineup provides not only accommodates two strikers and attacking wingers, but also puts immense pressure on the Cardiff defence. Trott has been imperious in goal and will be looking to claim a League One record with most matches consecutively played without conceding. The Bluebirds’ defence has not conceded so far this season away from home, and a ninth-placed side who lost 4-2 to Plymouth may see their threat nullified by a youthful, but well-organised, City backline.
Barry-Murphy is expected to field a strong 11 again, with the squad depth in defence being improved even further prior to Deadline Day. Gabriel Osho’s purchase from AJ Auxerre has handed the Bluebirds a phenomenal asset at League One level. Given, the Nigerian’s Ligue 1 experience last season, Cardiff boast the single best centre-back in the third tier – if Osho can stay fit.
Best Odds for Stockport County vs Cardiff City
| Bookmaker | Stockport County | Draw | Cardiff City |
| MyriadPlay | 8/5 | 12/5 | 29/20 |
| Gentleman Jim | 13/8 | 23/10 | 29/20 |
| Betarno | 29/20 | 23/10 | 7/5 |
Full Preview of the Game – Last Results and Head-to-Head
Stockport began their season with a somewhat unconvincing, but resilient, victory over Bolton Wanderers in a 2-0 performance. Signs of promise and an ability to grind out results came after a subsequent 2-1 away win against Wycombe Wanderers. County entered the Carabao Cup with a dominant win against Crewe Alexandra but conceded late against Leyton Orient to see the points shared in the game after a cup triumph. A loss to Bradford City was immediately followed up by a 2-1 performance beating Burton Albion. Wigan Athletic came up against Stockport twice in the space of five days and knocked Challinor’s side out of the EFL Cup while also drawing in the league. A thrilling 5-3 win against Wolves’ academy side opened their Vertu Trophy account, but head into this fixture after a 4-2 loss to Plymouth.
Cardiff, as aforementioned, have won all but one of their domestic games so far this campaign. A 0-0 draw with Port Vale on the second matchday is the Bluebirds’ only falter in a near-perfect start. Heading into this match, Barry-Murphy’s side are coming off the back of a 3-0 cup victory over Cheltenham and a 4-0 domination of Argyle.
Head-to-head fixtures between these two have seen no recent meetings at all. In fact, the last time Stockport and Cardiff faced each other was in March 2003 – with County only winning on two occasions in a low total of 14 matches.
Confrontation
Where to watch Stockport County vs Cardiff City
Where can I watch this League One weekend clash, either on TV or in-person?
- Location: Edgeley Park, Stockport
- Date: Saturday 13th September 2025
- Channel: Not available in UK/Ireland due to 3pm blackout
Probable Lineups for Stockport County vs Cardiff City
What sort of lineups can we expect for this latest third tier tie?
Predicted Stockport County Lineup:
- Lineup: C. Addai, E. Pye, C. Connolly, B. Hills, B. Osborn, O. Norwood, O. Moxon, J. Fevrier, J. Diamond, M. Mothersille, K. Wootton
- Manager: Dave Challinor
- Injured/Suspended: A. Sarcevic
Predicted Cardiff City Lineup:
- Lineup: N. Trott, J. Bagan, D. Lawlor, W. Fish, R. Kpakio, R. Wintle, J. Colwill, I. Davies, C. Willock, C. Ashford, Y. Salech
- Manager: Brian Barry-Murphy
- Injured/Suspended: A. Robertson, R. Colwill (doubt)
Media Centre – News about Stockport County vs Cardiff City
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