Stockport County
Doncaster Rovers
>Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers Prediction & Betting Tips – 08/08/2026
Edgeley Park plays host to a first-round Carabao Cup tie on 8 August as Stockport County welcome Doncaster Rovers in the curtain-raiser to the 2026/27 season. For Stockport, the fixture marks Jimmy McNulty's first competitive match since his summer appointment as head coach. Grant McCann's Doncaster arrive in Cheshire with a bolstered squad following a busy transfer window, though they face a daunting recent record at this ground. Both sides will view the cup as an early opportunity to build momentum ahead of the league campaign.
Match Analysis
Stockport County enter this Carabao Cup first-round tie as clear favorites at 1.67, backed by an unblemished six-game H2H record against Doncaster and Jimmy McNulty's motivational debut as head coach at Edgeley Park.
- 6 consecutive H2H wins over Doncaster, including a 4-2 and 2-0 in December 2025.
- 71 league goals scored last season, directly targeting a Doncaster side that conceded 69.
- Stockport conceded 11 fewer goals than Doncaster in League One last term, showing defensive solidity.
- Cup pedigree counts: Stockport have won both previous cup first-round meetings with Doncaster.
Doncaster Rovers arrive at 4.60 facing a tough assignment, with defensive doubts over James Husband and Matty Pearson clouding Grant McCann's preparations ahead of a trip to a ground where they have not won in years.
- Two defensive doubts, Husband and Pearson, weaken an already vulnerable backline.
- Doncaster conceded 69 League One goals last season, the worst record of the two sides.
- Away record in this competition masks a 0-for-6 run against Stockport across all recent meetings.
Key point: With no goals markets available, the double chance covering Stockport via 1.67 remains the sharpest angle, reinforced by six straight H2H victories and Doncaster's defensive absences.
Form & Statistics: Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers
Stockport County
Season statistics
Doncaster Rovers
Season statistics
Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers: Head-to-Head
Average statistics (recent meetings)
Lineups: Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers
Stockport County
Starters
- 1 GK (unnamed)
- 2 CB Name
- 3 CB Name
- 4 CB Name
- 5 RWB Name
- 6 Oliver Norwood
- 7 Ben Osborn
- 8 LWB Name
- 9 CAM Name
- 10 A. Sidibeh
- 11 Josh Stokes
Absent
- Ryan Rydel (injury)
- Brad Hills (injury)
Doncaster Rovers
Starters
- 1 Thimothee Lo-Tutala
- 2 Jamie Sterry
- 3 Sean Grehan
- 4 Jay McGrath
- 5 Jack Senior
- 6 CM Name
- 7 CM Name
- 8 Elliot Lee
- 9 Hakeeb Adelakun
- 10 B. Hanlan
- 11 LW Name
Low confidence
Both lineups carry a speculated status, drawn from the same single source, so treat the shape of this Carabao Cup first-round tie with appropriate caution. What does emerge is a 3-5-2 versus 4-3-3 contest, with Stockport's wing-backs likely to be tested by Doncaster's wider attacking options.
For Stockport, Oliver Norwood figures to be the organising presence in midfield, while Hakeeb Adelakun offers Doncaster a direct threat on the flank. With both sets of lineups yet to be confirmed, the tactical picture may shift considerably before kickoff.
Our Verdict
Stockport's dominance in this fixture is difficult to ignore: six consecutive head-to-head victories, including a 4-2 and 2-0 double over Doncaster last December. A home win at 1.67 represents fair value given that record. Jimmy McNulty's first competitive match brings added motivation, while Grant McCann's side are still bedding in several summer signings and nursing defensive concerns around Husband and Pearson. Back Stockport to win, with over 2.5 goals at 1.70 worth a look given the high-scoring nature of recent meetings.
Odds correct at time of publication.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bet for Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers?
The home win stands out as the strongest selection here. Stockport have won all six of their last meetings with Doncaster, outscored them in League One last season, and carry the added motivation of Jimmy McNulty's managerial debut at Edgeley Park. With Doncaster carrying defensive injury doubts, backing the home side at 1.67 represents sound value.
What time does Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers kick off?
This Carabao Cup first-round tie kicks off at 14:00 UTC on Saturday, 8th August 2026. The match takes place at Edgeley Park, Stockport's home ground, and marks the opening competitive fixture of the 2026/27 season for both sides.
Where can I watch Stockport County vs Doncaster Rovers on TV?
Broadcast details for this Carabao Cup first-round fixture have not been confirmed at the time of writing. It is advisable to check the official Carabao Cup and EFL websites, as well as your domestic television listings, for the most up-to-date information on live coverage arrangements.
What is Stockport County's recent record against Doncaster Rovers?
Stockport's record against Doncaster in recent years is remarkably dominant. They have won all six of their last head-to-head meetings, including a 4-2 and a 2-0 victory in their two most recent clashes in December 2025. This is also the third time the sides have met in a major cup first round, with Stockport winning both previous occasions.