Unibet's Vanarama National League Matchday 2 Preview

If the curtain came up in dramatic style on the opening day, just wait until you see what’s in store this Saturday!

There were eight away wins from the nine matches last weekend - so those playing at home this time can really put down a marker.

Every week, new betting partner Unibet will run the rule over the main matches in the two divisions.

All your odds across the Vanarama National League are available at Unibet.

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Here’s what we’ve got to look forward to in the first instalment on Saturday.

Southend United v Stockport County- Live on BT Sport

County fans would have probably wanted to avoid this one as their next fixture after a demanding opening day.

One of the title favourites looked limp on matchday one, the Daggers of Dagenham just too sharp. They could have done without a trip to Roots Hall as their bounce back game.

Southend may not have sparkled at King’s Lynn last weekend, but they impressed fans by simply getting the job done.

A decent Shrimpers start turns into a really good one if they can pull off another win, with the BT Sport cameras watching. It’s ten years since they last met in League Two, and that’s where they both want to be playing their football next season.

Stockport were the division’s best away side last season, winning 13 times on the road - and they could do with a flying start on their travels this time.

Man to watch: John Rooney (Stockport County)
Unibet top tip: Both teams to score

Notts County v Torquay United

They say there’s one thing worse than being talked about. That’s not being talked about at all.

But Notts County were happy to sit back this summer and let the likes of Wrexham, Chesterfield and Stockport County top the tipsters’ columns.

Tweaking an already strong squad, they ripped Barnet apart on the opening day before finally declaring at five. Now they meet the team who broke their heart in the play-offs last June.

Torquay are still licking their wounds from the blow to their pride in the National League Promotion Final if last weekend is anything to go by.

Gulls manager Gary Johnson has been in the game long enough to know that defeat to Altrincham won’t shape their season. But he will be determined not to begin the new campaign with back-to-back losses.

Man to watch: Ruben Rodrigues (Notts County)
Unibet top tip: Notts to be ahead at half-time, and full time

Grimsby Town v Weymouth

When fans have waited nearly 18 months to see their side in action, what’s another week?

Grimsby sat out the opening day, Covid putting paid to their trip to Bromley. Now they go looking to make up for lost time.

Paul Hurst’s Mariners are back in the National League after five years away - and the turnstiles are about to finally be unlocked.

The club’s owners say they won’t spend recklessly to return the club back to the EFL but the manager sees no reason why a promotion push should be off limits.

Weymouth lost 13 of their 21 away games last season, and home defeat to Boreham Wood showed perhaps the new-look Terras will take time to gel. But last season they did the double over Stockport and also beat Hartlepool. Brian Stock’s side love a big boy.

Man to watch: Ben Fox (Grimsby Town)

Click here for all of Saturday’s National League fixtures