Two minute guide to: Coventry City v Port Vale
Michael Brown will be desperate for a win – here’s our guide to Vale’s next league game…
Essentials
Match details
- Football League
- Saturday 9th September
- Ricoh Arena
Team news
What will the Vale look like?
The Valiants could be boosted upfront by Tyrone Barnett’s successful 60 minute spell for the reserves. However, the big striker will probably only make the bench. There are options at right-back after Adam Yates returned from loan and rival Lawrie Wilson picked up a head injury.
What about the opposition?
Like Vale, City are struggling for goals and that may mean a recall for playmaker Tony Andreu in a bid to add more creativity to the side. His return may come at the expense of Stuart Beavon. Former Vale loanee Jack Grimmer (right) should face his former club.
Pre-match quote
“You break it down and look, but we have to put the ball in the net, that is the truth of it…”
Michael Brown on the team’s goal shortage
Boss watch
Mark Robins
An experienced lower league performer, Robins is now closing on 450 games as a manager. He began his managerial career at Rotherham United and this is his second spell with Coventry.
History lesson
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 11
- Port Vale losses: 10
- Draws: 11
Last time we…
The last time we won at Coventry was in 2015 when a late Michael O’Connor strike earned Vale all three points in a five goal thriller. The home side took the lead early through James O’Brien but Tom Pope and Mark Marshall put Vale ahead. A strike from Odelusi levelled matters but O’Connor’s 76th minute effort sealed the Vale win.
Classic clash
Not a clash as such, but Sam Kelly’s stunning strike from February 2016 is well worth another watch.
Played for both…
Jack Grimmer could face the Valiants after joining Coventry in the summer. The Scottish defender spent a loan spell with Vale in 2014.
Other players to appear for both sides include:
- Winger Chris Birchall (right)
- Striker Keith Houchen
- Winger Mark Marshall
- Inside-forward Albert Pynegar
- Defender Peter Billing
- Striker Lee Hughes
- Forward Lee Mills
- Defender Richard Duffy
While you are here…
So who would you pick for the Vale starting eleven? Want to show them who’s boss? You can take these sort of decisions every day in the excellent online football management game Kickoff. You can easily login through Facebook and Google too. Why not try it for free and show the footballing word that Port Vale fans have got what it takes!