Two minute guide to: Swindon v Port Vale
The Valiants need to rediscover their form – will they do so against Swindon Town this Saturday?
Essentials
Match details
Vale form guide
Vale’s top scorers
Predict the score
News
Match background
After a desperately poor 5-1 reverse against Cheltenham Town the Vale’s search for a first win of 2018 has become more and more important as they look to avoid being pushed back into the relegation zone.
They travel to the West Country this weekend in search of an elusive three points but it will be a tough task against a Swindon side eyeing the play-off and promotion places.
What will the Vale look like?
Well, there’s a tricky question. After the poor loss to Cheltenham it would appear that all bets are off regarding Vale’s line-up.
The likes of Tyrone Barnett (right), Chris Regis and perhaps even Dior Angus may come into contention simply by dint of them not being part of the squad that played last week.
Dan Turner has returned to the Vale squad after the end of his loan spell at Tamworth but he is unlikely to make this match squad.
Pre-match quote
“The players have got to roll their sleeves up and do their jobs on the pitch. It’s down to the players. They’ve got a responsibility and there’s a lot at stake…”
Neil Aspin
Boss watch
David Flitcroft
The 44 year-old former Barnsley and Bury manager joined Swindon Town in June 2017 and has now been in charge for 40 games with a 50% win ratio.
History lesson
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 30
- Port Vale losses: 32
- Draws: 19
Last time…
The last time Port Vale played Swindon Town was in October, earlier this season, when the Valiants crashed to a disappointing 3-0 home defeat.
The last time Vale travelled to Swindon’s County Ground they were defeated 1-0 back in August 2016.
So, it’s a sorry state of affairs for Vale with the last player to score against Swindon being JJ Hooper in March 2017.
Played for both…
There’s two well-known faces in the Swindon line-up with both Ben Purkiss (right) and Marc Richards starting their 3-2 defeat to Wycombe in midweek. Former defender Chris Robertson is also a member of the Swindon squad.
Meanwhile, Swindon is a former club of Vale winger Cristian Montano who spent a spell on loan in 2011.
Other players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:
- Winger Mark Marshall
- Striker Calvin Andrew
- Striker Billy Paynter
- Winger Kaid Mohamed