Two minute guide to Port Vale versus Tranmere Rovers
The pressure is on as Port Vale try to halt their dreadful home form this season…
Vale need to adopt an attacking approach
Manager John Askey has urged his players to be more clinical in front of goal as he seeks an upturn in their fortunes.
Askey may be tempted to make changes to give Vale a more attacking approach. If so, the likes of Cristian Montano, Ben Whitfield (right) and Tom Conlon could all come into contention.
Pope praises fans as he seeks upturn
“Tranmere aren’t a bad side and they were better than us at their place, but hopefully they will come here to try and attack us because that will play into our hands. Our fans were great and they were right behind us from the first whistle. When we’re struggling, we need everybody together and I just hope that on Tuesday we can get that first goal to keep them on our side…”
Port Vale striker Tom Pope
“It’s a massive game, but for us, it’s come at a good time because whenever you lose a game of football it’s always good to go straight into a game. We’ve had a bit of preparation today and hopefully we can get something from the game…”
Port Vale defender James Gibbons
Tranmere hold the upper hand over Vale historically
Rovers have won 38 games compared to Vale’s 31 and won the last encounter earlier this season. However, in recent meetings Vale have won three out of the last four and haven’t lost at Vale Park since 2007. Vale’s last scorer against Tranmere was Ben Williamson (right) in a 3-2 win back in 2014.
Mellon’s Tranmere reign stretches into a third year
Tranmere have one of the division’s longest-serving managers in Micky Mellon who was appointed back in October 2016. Mellon has had previous managerial spells with Fleetwood, Barnsley and Shrewsbury Town.The 46 year-old has an impressive 50% win ratio at Prenton Park.
Sutton won’t face Valiants
Former Vale defender Ritchie Sutton (right) will not play in this game as he was loaned to Vale’s last opponents Morecambe. Sutton, a boyhood Vale fan is the sole player in either squad to play for both sides.
Crossing the lines…
Other players to appear for both clubs in recent years include:
- Winger Chris Shuker (right)
- Midfielder Steve Jennings
- Winger Jennison Myrie-Williams
- Winger Rob Taylor
- Striker Akpo Sodje