National League 2019-20: relegation predictions, betting, tips and odds

Chorley had been knocking on the door of the National League for several seasons before bursting through with last season's National League North playoff triumph, but they may struggle to stay afloat at the higher level.

Two of last season's relegated teams – Havant & Waterlooville and Braintree – had won promotions in the previous campaign, and Chorley could be the next to discover how wide the gap is between the fifth and sixth tiers.

• National League team rankings

Promotion has been a long time coming for Chorley, who had posted five successive top-seven finishes in the National League North, but they look ill-prepared for the step up in class they face this season.

They failed to retain key striker Josh Wilson, who drops down two levels to Northern Premier League side Ashton United.

And manager Jamie Vermiglio has been hampered by a pre-season injury crisis.

Defenders Courtney Meppen-Walter, Matt Challoner and Scott Leather and striker Louis Almond are all expected to miss the start of the season, and goalkeeper Matt Urwin (knee) will not be ready for another month.

Getting off to a poor start would leave Chorley playing catch-up and they may lack the resources and quality to recover.

Jim Gannon may struggle to keep Stockport in the National LeagueCredit: Jordan Mansfield (Getty Images)

Another promoted team facing a rough ride are National League North champions Stockport, who are by no means certain to live up to their big-club status.

The Hatters are taking on the fifth tier for the first time since 2013 and they go into battle without Matty Warburton, their 18-goal top scorer from last season, who clinched a summer move to Northampton.

• National League top-scorer tips

County manager Jim Gannon had laid a strong foundation in his three-and-a-half years at the helm.

However, he hasn't found it easy to recruit better players and will have a tough job ensuring that Stockport consolidate.

Survival could be a close-run thing and there is value in backing Stockport for the drop.

Recommendations
Chorley
2pts 2-1 Paddy Power
Stockport
1pt 15-2 Betfair, Paddy Power

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