Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Colchester Utd
Port Vale will be desperate for some points from Saturday’s home clash against a side which could feature a number of former Valiants…
Essentials
Match details
Vale form guide
Vale’s top scorers
Predict the score
News
Match background
Port Vale’s reverse in the 3-2 defeat to Accrington has seen the warning signs appear as the club have now made it four games without a win.
Neil Aspin was particularly scathing over the defending in the second-half of the Accrington match so it could well be that changes are afoot. He has warned that the club is in danger of being drawn back into the League Two relegation fight unless things change soon.
What will the Vale look like?
Vale are expected to make changes after the Accrington defeat. The left-side of defence could come into focus with new signing Zac Jules (right) having a week’s training. It means that the left-sided loanee could slot in to the left-back position. There have also been calls for Rob Lainton to be given a run in goal while Dior Angus is pushing for a squad place after an impressive run out for the reserves.
Pre-match quote
“Saturday is going to be tough – they are a decent side and we saw that away where they battered us in the first half, but in the second 45 we were the better team and we probably could’ve won it…”
Tom Pope
Boss watch
John McGreal
The 45 year-old Scouser took over at Colchester in 2016. He has now been in charge for 86 games.
History lesson
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 20
- Port Vale losses: 23
- Draws: 13
Last time…
The Valiants played Colchester earlier this season and secured a 1-1 draw thanks to Marcus Harness scoring his first-ever senior goal.
Vale last played Colchester at home in 2016 and secured a 2-0 win thanks to goals from striker Theo Robinson (his first goal for the Valiants) and midfielder Sam Foley (right).
Played for both…
There are a trio of fairly well-known former Valiants in the Colchester squad. Ryan Inniss (right) started Colchester’s last game while fellow defender Luke Prosser is on the bench. Former Vale captain Doug Loft is injured and is not expected to feature. Another former Valiant, loanee Tommy O’Sullivan has been loaned out to Torquay United.
Meanwhile Vale midfielder Chris Regis had a spell with Colchester earlier in his career.
Other players to appear for both clubs include:
- Striker Rekeil Pyke
- Winger Ashley Vincent
- Forward Jamie Guy
- Defender Stephane Pounewatchy