Two minute guide to: Wycombe Wanderers to Port Vale

It’s Port Vale’s opening home game of the season and here’s our brief guide to the action…

News

Match background

The week has been dominated by the Q&A session with owner Norman Smurthwaite (right) on Thursday but it’s back to the action on the pitch on Saturday.

Vale are still without a win in 2018 and now face a tough challenge against Gareth Ainsworth’s promotion chasers Wycombe Wanderers and another meeting with nemesis Ade Akinfenwa.

What will the Vale look like?

Neil Aspin has criticised his defence following the defeat to Exeter City and could consider switching his defence around. Charlie Raglan moved to right-back and Kyle Howkins returned for the midweek game but Joe Davis and James Gibbons (right) are options.

Tyrone Barnett started upfront after Donovan Wilson was missing for personal reasons. However, if Wilson is available for this game he may partner Anton Forrester upfront at Barnett’s expense.

Pre-match quote

“It sounds daft when you have not won games but we have to be confident going into the Wycombe game. We have to be positive, there is no point in sitting back, we have to try and get forward and win the game. It’s as simple as that.”

Boss watch

Gareth Ainsworth

The former Port Vale legend has been in charge at Wycombe since 2012. The former winger holds two Port Vale transfer records being both the club’s record purchase and record sale.

Stats and facts

Overall record

• Port Vale wins: 3
• Port Vale losses: 7
• Draws: 5

Last time we…

Two late goals gave things a flattering appearance but Vale were comprehensively beaten by Wycombe at Vale Park earlier this season. The tormenter in chief was Ade Akinfenwa who scored twice. Vale’s consolation goals came from Dan Turner and a screamer from Ben Whitfield (right).

The last time we visited Wycombe it was a memorable moment as Vale celebrated promotion to League One back in 2013. The game itself finished in a 1-1 draw, the second time in succession Vale have forced that result in Buckinghamshire.

Connections

Played for both…

Apart from Mr Ainsworth there have been a number of players to appear for both clubs. They include defender Sam Stockley, winger Steve Guppy (pictured above) plus midfielders Billy Knott and Paul Kerr.

Trivia

Frank Adams’ playing field

Wycombe’s stadium is named Adams Park in honour of former captain Frank Adams. Adams bought the former ground Loakes Park for the club and its  sale financed the move to the stadium which was then named after him.

A brief history

Founded around 1884, Wycombe entered the Football League in 1993 under the management of Martin O’Neill. In 2001 they reached the semi-final of the FA Cup while Lawrie Sanchez was in charge. They have been in League Two since 2012.

Gareth Ainsworth

“It is a great place and I had a good year there. They played a huge part in my career in making that step up and they were a brilliant stepping stone. We really did upset a few of the big boys and that season was phenomenal and I can’t thank the club and fans there enough…”