Two minute guide to: Port Vale v Carlisle United
It’s the final home game of the season and it will be greeted with some relief as the Valiants are now safe from relegation…
Essentials
Vale form guide
Vale’s top scorers
Predict the score
News
Match background
First to a point of order as Vale have urged fans of both sides to not invade the playing surface at the end of the game.
The club say:
At the conclusion of the match the Port Vale players will stand aside while the Carlisle United players/management & staff go and thank the Carlisle United fans for supporting them at the game.
Once the Carlisle United players/management and staff have left the pitch the Port Vale players/management and staff will come around the home areas of the stadium to acknowledge and thank the Port Vale fans for their support throughout the season.
There’s also a couple of other interesting elements to the weekend game.
Firstly, Vale will trialling the use of child care facilities during the game. To find out more read the press release on the official site.
Secondly, the Player of the Year awards ceremony will be held later on Saturday. It starts at 7pm and half of the proceeds will be given to the Donna Louise Trust. More details here.
What will the Vale look like?
There could be a few interesting selections in the Vale line-up. The Valiants have recalled Dior Angus from his loan spell at Tamworth and may be keen to see him in first-team action. The striker could well be on the bench.
We wonder whether defender Callum Howe may also be given a chance after being restricted to just a single appearance since signing a permanent deal in January.
Another youngster Mike Calveley may be similarly employed while a third youngster, striker Dan Turner, could also get a chance after receiving praise from Neil Aspin.
Pre-match quote
“I’m in a position where I can look a few different things because we are safe.
“I have a chance to do some swapping so I might do that and go with a different team that has played the last couple of games.
“Now is a good time as we have room for some manoeuvre and we may make a couple of changes to the team that played against Mansfield…”
Vale manager Neil Aspin
Boss watch
Keith Curle
There is some speculation about whether the former England defender will be in charge for the weekend game. However, after announcing he will leave at the end of the season, Curle will indeed be in the opposition dugout for the remainder of this campaign.
The 54 year-old has been in charge at Carlisle for four years.
Stats and facts
Overall record
- Port Vale wins: 13
- Port Vale losses: 11
- Draws: 1o
Last time we…
The last time we played Carlisle United was earlier this season it ended in a rare Port Vale away victory. Goals from forwards Tyrone Barnett (right) and Tom Pope secured a 2-1 victory.
The last time the two sides met at Vale Park it ended in a 1-0 win for Vale in a Football League Trophy game. On loan forward Uche Ikpeazu scored the winner.
Connections
Played for both…
Players to appear for both sides include:
- Winger Jeff Smith
- Midfielder Anthony Griffith
- Winger Chris Birchall
- Striker Billy Paynter
- Midfielder Mark Boyd
- Winger Jennison Myrie-Williams
- Winger Jon McCarthy
- Goalkeeper Jon Brain (right)