Match Preview: Walsall vs Port Vale, 22nd February 2020
Can John Askey’s team continue their fine play-off form with an away win against old rivals Walsall on Saturday afternoon? Here’s our preview…
Team news
There’s going to be plenty of questions for John Askey to address ahead of this game – but they are nice ones. Should James Gibbons be recalled or will he stick with Nathan Smith (right) as the right-back? Will two goal Mark Cullen start ahead of veteran Tom Pope? The likelihood is that Askey will stick with the starting eleven which impressed so much against Colchester which could mean an immensely strong Port Vale bench including the likes of Pope, Gibbons and Oyeleke.
Go to the dedicated match thread on the forumPre-match Quote
It will be a tough fixture, they’ve picked up of late but we’re going to have a really good following going there and it’s another really good game to play in, obviously the players are confident, not too over confident, but we’re in a great position and just look forward to every game now….
Port Vale manager John Askey on the game
Stats
The Valiants have a terrible historical record against Walsall. Vale have just 24 wins compared to Walsall’s 42. There have been 26 draws. However, Port Vale’s recent record at the Bescot stadium is good with the last two matches both ending in wins. The last Valiant to score against Walsall was midfielder Danny Pugh (right) in a 2-1 Football League Trophy win in 2018.
Watch the 2-1 Football League Trophy win in 2018Form Guide
As has been well documented, Port Vale are bang on form with four wins from their last five games. Home side Walsall have patchy form two wins, two losses and a draw from their last five fixtures. They have won just one in their last three home games.
Port Vale form:
W – W – W – D – W
Walsall form:
W – D – W – L – L
What about the odds? The Vale are actually favourites with many bookies after their fine recent form. If you fancy your chances with a punt you may want to get some William Hill USA promo codes to help you out.
Played for both
Defender Zac Jules (pictured right) appears to be having a far better time at Walsall than he had at Vale Park. Jules was signed on loan by former manager Neil Aspin but was dropped after just two appearances. After being signed from Macclesfield Town in the summer, the left-sided defender has made 22 appearances so far this season.
Players who have appeared for both sides in recent years include full-back Ben Purkiss, goalkeeper Jonny Brain, midfielder Romaine Sawyers and midfielder Danny Sonner.
Walsall manager Darrell Clarke had one of the briefest Port Vale careers on record. He joined on loan from Hartlepool United in 2005 and played just one minute of action, coming on as a sub in the 89th minute.
Zac Jules image from Port Vale FC via Twitter
Opposition Guide
Mid-table Walsall are managed by former Bristol Rovers manager Darrell Clarke. Upfront they may Potteries-born Josh Gordon who joined in 2018. Veteran defender Mat Sadler is in his second spell at the club while former Newcastle man Danny Guthrie will be well-known to many fans.
Classic clash
Port Vale ended years of hurt with a cathartic 4-1 win in September 1986. The scorers on that day were Andy Jones with two, Jon Bowden (pictured right celebrating his goal) and Robbie Earle. It was played in front of a crowd of 4,531. We enjoyed that win so much we produced an article on it. You can read it below.
Discuss the match
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