Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Morecambe
Will it be a new-look Vale defence that lines up against Morecambe on Saturday?
Essentials
Match details
Vale form guide
Vale’s top scorers
Predict the score
News
Match background
After the disappointing home draw with Colchester, Vale will be very keen to make amends against Morecambe. Vale’s defence looked particularly iffy in the last home game and Neil Aspin has used the transfer window to add some new faces and competition to the Vale back-line. It will be interesting to see which newcomers start.
What will the Vale look like?
That is probably THE question. Vale have a plethora of new faces to pick from in defence with Charlie Raglan, Kyle Howkins and Callum Howe all in contention. Zac Jules may play as left-back while it will be interesting to see if Aspin picks Ryan Boot or Rob Lainton as the goalkeeper for this game.
Pre-match quote
“There are nine teams fighting to stay in the league and that is a big prize, so every game is a difficult one and each point is vital. We need to win games and we would rather do that as soon as possible, but every match is of equal importance…”
Neil Aspin
“I have to make sure I get them motivated and back up for Port Vale, which is a massive six-pointer…”
Morecambe manager Jim Bentley
Boss watch
Jim Bentley
Neil Aspin will be facing another former no-nonsense defender on Saturday. The 41 year-old Scouser has been in charge at Morecambe since 2011.
History lesson
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 5
- Port Vale losses: 5
- Draws: 3
Last time…
The Valiants played Morecambe was in October when it finished in a 3-0 win for Vale. The goalscorers were Cristian Montano (right) and Tom Pope with a double.
However, our last meeting at Vale Park ended in a 1-0 victory for the visitors.
Played for both…
Vale striker Anton Forrester (right) could play against a side for whom he made four appearances on loan in 2015.
Other players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:
- Defender Adam Yates
- Striker Michael Twiss
- Midfielder Chris Shuker
- Goalkeeper Joe Anyon
- Defender Ryan McGivern