Stockport County vs Port Vale Prediction 28.04.2026 | League One

Stockport County enter this crucial Matchday 45 fixture sitting 4th in the table on 74 points, fully aware that a professional result at Edgeley Park could mathematically secure their place in the post-season promotion lottery.

The Hatters arrive buoyed by a comfortable 3-1 dismantling of Peterborough United, a result that served as a timely reminder of the attacking quality that manager Dave Challinor has at his disposal, marking their fourth win in the last five home fixtures.

However, in order to avoid any late-season complications across the final two rounds of the regular campaign, the Blue and Whites will need to tighten up defensively, having managed just one clean sheet in their last five matches while conceding seven goals in that same period, highlighting a clear area of concern.

Stockport also head into this clash with a heavily depleted squad, with as many as six players confirmed absent, while the availability of both Josh Dacres-Cogley and Joseph Olowu remains doubtful as they continue their recovery from injury.

Port Vale travel to Greater Manchester in a state of desperation, with their fate already effectively sealed, as a poor run of results during the latter stages of the 2025-26 campaign has mathematically confirmed their relegation back to the fourth tier.

A major factor behind the Valiants’ premature collapse has been their lack of creativity and cutting edge in the final third when it mattered most, failing to score in three of their last five EFL League One matches, a run that underlines their attacking struggles throughout the season.

To make matters worse, the Stoke-on-Trent based club have been particularly vulnerable away from Vale Park, suffering defeat in six of their last seven outings across all competitions on the road, further highlighting their inability to compete consistently outside home soil.

Like their Tuesday opponents, manager Jon Brady also faces a growing injury and absence list, with as many as six players unavailable for selection, although with relegation already confirmed, several fringe players are expected to be handed opportunities in the starting lineup.