Sky Sports pundit drops Stockport County v Bolton Wanderers score prediction | OneFootball

Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie gives his thoughts ahead of Stockport County's opening weekend clash against Bolton Wanderers.

The 2025/26 EFL League One campaign begins this weekend, and with a list of enticing clashes across the division, a tasty encounter is set to take place at Edgeley Park, as Stockport County take on Bolton Wanderers.

Stockport finished third last term after a fantastic year. However, they fell at the first hurdle in the play-offs, losing 4-1 on penalties to Leyton Orient, before Charlton Athletic went on to achieve promotion to the Championship.

Bolton finished eighth under the guidance of Steven Schumacher, and the club will be looking for a place in the play-offs this term as they aim to reclaim their place in the Championship after a tumultuous period saw them drop as low as the fourth tier.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie was asked to give his score prediction ahead of Sunday's clash, and the ex-Aston Villa man believes it will be a closely fought contest at Edgeley Park.

Lee Hendrie gives Stockport v Bolton prediction

"You are looking at two of the sides that should be in the thick of things," Hendrie told FLW.

"Stockport should be there or thereabouts. I was really impressed with them last season, and they were unfortunate not to make the play-off final and push for promotion."

On the visitors, Hendrie added: "Bolton were disappointing. Schumacher, though, will now have a better feel for the place, and I think that they will be a different side this season."

"The first game of the season is always a difficult one to call. Both sides have the potential to be up there, and both sides like to play football. This will be a really good football match."

"I think that it will be a close encounter, and Stockport may just benefit from the home advantage. I am going to go for a 1-0 win for Stockport."

A close match anticipated between Stockport and Bolton

Bolton placed second in League One last term in terms of average possession with 56.7%, while Stockport placed sixth with 52.7%.

And while both averages were a far cry behind Birmingham City's tally of 66.9%, both Stockport and Bolton are front-footed sides that look to dominate the ball when possible.

The hosts had a fantastic year under Dave Challinor following their ascent from League Two, and will be looking to replicate their form once again and challenge at the top end of the division.

Steven Schumacher took over at the Toughsheet Community Stadium in January and was able to guide the club to 8th in the standings.

After having a pre-season to mould the side based on his blueprint, Wanderers supporters will expect to see their club fighting at the top end of the third tier, and a positive start against one of last season's surprise teams would be fantastic for confidence to kick-start the term.