Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Cambridge Utd
Here’s our brief guide to Port Vale’s next fixture – a League clash with Cambridge United.
Essentials
Match details
Vale form guide
Vale’s top scorers
Predict the score
News
Match background
After the “distraction” of two cup games, this is the real deal. Vale really must take full advantage of a home fixture to pick up points in the League.
They also need to put the memory of the heavy league defeats to Mansfield Town and Lincoln City behind them.
With the January transfer window looming, it’s time for players to prove their worth…
What will the Vale look like?
So how are Vale going to end their losing league streak? Well, if Bournemouth allow it, it’s highly likely that Ben Whitfield will rejoin the starting eleven after a brief cameo in the Checkatrade defeat to Shrewsbury. Less likely is a start for Rob Lainton (right) who is recovering from injury and made the bench on Tuesday. However, Neil Aspin told the media that Ryan Boot will remain in goal and Lainton will have to fight for a starting place. Neil Aspin may also ponder the three at the back formation that started against Shrewsbury.
Pre-match quote
“You also need a little bit of good fortune as well but certainly we can’t afford to make errors because at the moment when we make them we are getting punished….”
Manager Neil Aspin
Boss watch
Shaun Derry
Formerly a well-travelled midfielder, Derry cut his managerial teeth at Notts County before joining Cambridge in 2015. He has been in charge of the U’s for well over 100 games.
History lesson
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 7
- Port Vale losses: 5
- Draws: 2
Last time…
The last time the two sides met at Vale Park in the League was back in 2001 when the Valiants secured a emphatic 5-0 win. The Vale scorers were that day were Micky Cummins, Ian Armstrong, Steve Brooker (right) and Chris Killen with a double.
The game was played in front of a crowd of 4,119.
Played for both…
This match should see the return of striker Uche Ikpeazu to Vale Park. The former Watford man had an initially successful loan spell at Vale Park in 2015 before drifting out of favour. Since joining Cambridge he was scored sixteen goals in 59 appearances.
Other players to appear for both sides in recent years are:
- Striker Ben Williamson
- Winger Sam Kelly
- Defender Wayne Ebanks
- Winger Shane Tudor
- Midfielder Ray Walker