Match preview: Stockport look to tighten grip while Orient search for spark
Edgeley Park will be rocking on 07/02/2026 as Stockport County welcome Leyton Orient in a clash that shapes up as a classic top-versus-bottom League One test. Stockport arrive sitting fourth in the table with 52 points from 29 matches, riding a bright wave of form: recent results include wins over Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool and a string of home performances that have turned this ground into a tough place to visit. Referee Andrew Humphries will take charge of what promises to be a lively encounter in Stockport’s compact 10,841-capacity stadium.
Leyton Orient, by contrast, sit 19th with 32 points and have been battered by a rough run of results away from home. Their latest outings show a mixture of heavy defeats and a rare victory against Reading back on 17 January, but too many losses have left them vulnerable. Crucially, Orient’s defensive fragility on the road stands out — conceded figures away (32) underline a side that is struggling to keep clean sheets on enemy turf.
Tactical trends and form lines
Stockport’s season numbers paint the picture of a side that creates and converts: 351 total shots with 127 on target and a strong goals return of 42 for the campaign. At Edgeley Park they’ve scored 22 and conceded 19, a balance that has delivered 15 wins this season. Their recent run — W-W-D-W-W-W-L-D-W-L in the last ten — shows momentum and resilience, particularly in tight matches. Leyton Orient’s attacking threat shouldn’t be entirely discounted; they’ve found the net 40 times in the league and their matches often tilt towards goals, but their away defensive record and patchy recent form (L-L-L-W-D-L-L-L-W-L) make them clear underdogs.
The two sides met earlier this season in a 2-2 thriller, indicating this fixture can produce goals and drama. Stockport’s home solidity combined with Orient’s leaky away defence sets the tone: a confident Stockport, buoyed by home support, should control large phases of the match while Orient may be forced into taking risks.
Betting angle and value
Bookmakers have installed Stockport as clear favourites at 1.63 for the home win, with the draw at 3.85 and an Orient win trading around 5.00. Given the form, table positions and home/away splits, the most logical market is the 1X2: Stockport to win looks like the best-value single selection. For bettors intrigued by goals, the history between these teams and the over-2.5 frequency for both teams this season make a goals selection plausible, but the stronger, safer play remains backing the home victory.
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Betting suggestion: Back Stockport County to win (1X2) — recommended stake: medium. Stockport’s home form, superior league position and Orient’s troubled away record point strongly to a home victory at the odds available.
