Needham Market - Bishops Stortford prediction 20 October 2026

Needham Market vs Bishops Stortford prediction for the Southern League Premier Division match on October 20, 2026, at 19:45. Our analysis of the latest odds, team form, and head-to-head record gives Needham Market a 50% chance of winning, with the draw at 33% and Bishops Stortford at just 17%.

Team Form

Needham Market have been in excellent form, picking up 10 points from their last five league games (W, W, D, L, W). Their recent results are:

• Oct 17: Leamington 1-2 Needham Market (away win)
• Oct 13: Bury Town 0-5 Needham Market (away win)
• Oct 10: Needham Market 1-1 Anstey Nomads (home draw)
• Oct 3: Rushall Olympic 5-3 Needham Market (away loss)
• Sep 29: Needham Market 4-0 Stamford (home win)

They have scored 15 goals in these five matches, with the 5-0 demolition of Bury Town and the 4-0 win over Stamford highlighting their attacking firepower. The only blip was a high-scoring defeat at Rushall Olympic, but overall, Needham Market are a side full of confidence.

Bishops Stortford’s form has been patchy, with two wins and three losses in their last five (L, L, L, W, W). Their recent results:

• Oct 17: Bishops Stortford 2-4 Racing Club Warwick (home loss)
• Oct 10: Redditch United 3-1 Bishops Stortford (away loss)
• Sep 29: Bishops Stortford 1-2 Bury Town (home loss)
• Sep 19: Stamford 0-3 Bishops Stortford (away win)
• Sep 12: Bishops Stortford 3-1 Leamington (home win)

After three straight defeats, they turned things around with back-to-back wins, but the heavy home loss to Racing Club Warwick last time out raises questions about their defensive solidity. They have conceded 10 goals in five games, an average of 2 per match.

Head-to-Head Record

The head-to-head between these teams is perfectly balanced after two meetings, both in the Southern League Premier Division. Interestingly, the away side has won both encounters:

• Nov 25, 2025: Bishops Stortford 1-2 Needham Market
• Sep 23, 2025: Needham Market 0-4 Bishops Stortford

Needham Market’s 2-1 win at Bishops Stortford and Bishops Stortford’s stunning 4-0 victory at Needham Market show that home advantage has not been a factor in this fixture so far. With one win each and no draws, the historical data suggests another away win is possible, but current form points in a different direction.

Win Probability: Needham Market or Bishops Stortford?

We have calculated the win probabilities based on the average bookmaker odds (home 1.83, draw 2.78, away 5.16), adjusted for the overround, and then fine-tuned using recent form and head-to-head trends. The final probabilities are:

• Needham Market win: 50%
• Draw: 33%
• Bishops Stortford win: 17%

Needham Market’s strong attacking form and home advantage give them the edge, but the draw is a significant possibility at 33%. Bishops Stortford’s 17% chance reflects their inconsistent results and defensive issues, though their 4-0 win in the reverse fixture last season is a reminder of their potential.

Odds & Match Prediction

Bookmakers see Needham Market as clear favourites, with average odds of 1.83 for a home win. The draw is priced around 2.78, and an away win for Bishops Stortford is offered at 5.16. These odds imply a 50% home win probability, which aligns with our model.

Based on the stats, Needham Market are the most likely winners. However, the head-to-head record and Bishops Stortford’s ability to win away at Stamford suggest they cannot be completely written off. Our prediction: Needham Market to win, but with a 33% chance of a draw, a bet on the home side or the double chance (1X) could offer value.