Match preview: Port Vale vs Carlisle United
It’s back to Vale Park and John Askey’s side will surely be hoping to bring their Wigan form to Burslem…
Match details:
Teams: Port Vale vs Carlisle United
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park Stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 10th October, 3pm
How to watch:
First off, let’s deal with watching this behind closed doors game. It will be available to watch on the iFollow service. Here’s how to watch it…
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- If you don’t have an existing iFollow account sign up here
- If you have an existing iFollow account sign in here
- When signed in go to this page, select Video packages, select the relevant game and pay
- On matchday, go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video
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- If you don’t have an existing iFollow account sign up here
- If you have an existing iFollow account sign in here
- When signed in go to this page, select Video packages, select the relevant game and enter the promo code you have been given to sign-up for free (you’ll need to do this for every game)
- On matchday, go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video
FAQs
Q: I am a season ticket holder and I haven’t received a code / I have a problem with my code?
A: Season Ticket holders who experience problems or have not received a code, should contact the Ticket Office on 01782 655821. You can also email: [email protected].
Q: Do I have to set up the account/buy the pass on the day of the match?
A: No, you can set up your iFollow account and/or buy your match pass in advance if it is easier. All you need to do then is log onto iFollow on the day of the match go to this page and there will be an option at the bottom to watch live video.
Q: Can I watch it down the pub?
A: No, it’s illegal to show iFollow streams in public so they would be breaking the law. The service is for private use only.
Q: Can I watch it on the TV screen?
A: The iFollow service is available via an app or a browser. Probably the simplest way to watch it on the TV screen is to watch the stream on a browser and connect your computer to your TV via a HDMI lead. The video and audio should then show on your screen.
Q: What about the programme?
A: Ahead of the game Port Vale will also be sending all season ticket holders a link to a complimentary digital copy of our new-look matchday programme! If you do not receive your digital copy by 1pm on Saturday, then please contact us on the numbers provided above. Additionally, if you wish to collect a physical copy of the programme ahead of kick off – please contact the club shop.
Q: What commentary will be provided?
A: Usually commentary from both teams (home and away) is provided. In Vale’s case it is usually the BBC Radio Stoke commentary team. When the match starts, click on the cog on the bottom RH corner to select home or away commentary.
Q: Does Port Vale make money from iFollow?
A: Yes and in these days of behind closed door matches, the revenue from iFollow can be vital. Clubs like Vale earn around 80% of the cost of an iFollow ticket regardless of whether the game is played home or away.
Q: What about if I still have an issue?
A: If you are experiencing problems with iFollow should contact EFL iFollow by telephone – 0207 8264577 (three hours before kick-off and running until three hours after matches finish) or by email – [email protected] (staffed from 8am to 7pm every day).
Need more information? We have a dedicated forum thread with help and advice right here. There’s also a guide on setting up an iFollow account while here is a guide for season ticket holders redeeming a code
Form guide:
Will this be the Port Vale side which hit three in the FLT win over Wigan Athletic? Or the one that failed to score in the League against Harrogate and Morecambe? Much depends on which players John Askey picks.
Opponents Carlisle have had a poor start to the season. They have won just two of seven League and Cup games, both at home.
Port Vale team news:
Manager John Askey has solved one of his issues ahead of this game. The signing of Mitch Clark means that the influential loanee is set to start at right-back. It’s a huge coup for the Valiants who were looking vulnerable on the right after injuries to Zak Mills and James Gibbons.
However, Askey still has much to ponder:
- Will it be the attacking Cristian Montano or the more defensive David Fitzpatrick at left-back?
- Who will start as central forward? Our guess is Theo Robinson.
- What formation? We think it will be 4-3-3 with the option to switch to 4-4-2 if needed.
Guesswork XI:
Brown – Clark, Legge, Brisley, Montano – Joyce, Burgess, Conlon – Rodney, Robinson, Worrall
Opposition team news:
Carlisle are struggling with injuries, especially in forward positions. Omari Patrick is ruled out while Gavin Reilly picked up a knock in their last game. Goalkeeper Dean Furman is nearing full fitness but is unlikely to feature.
Opposition manager:
As a player Chris Beech had playing spells with Blackpool, Hartlepool Utd, Huddersfield Town and Rochdale. He had a brief spell as Rochdale caretaker manager in 2011 but this is his first role as permanent manager. He was appointed in November 2019 and has a 27% win ratio.
Match officials
The referee for this game is Mr James Bell. He has taken charge of three games so far this season showing eight yellow cards and one red and he was recently promoted from the National League to the Football League this season. His assistants will be Darren Wilding and Stephen Plane with the fourth official Oliver Bickle.
Connections:
There are three prominent Vale connections with Carlisle. The obvious one is Harry McKirdy, who was with the Cumbrians last season. The winger made 38 appearances and scored eleven times.
Midfielder Luke Joyce played 171 of his 500+ senior games for Carlisle United. Joyce had two spells (2006-2009 and 2015-2018) with the Cumbrians and is now closing on a hundred games for Vale.
Winger David Amoo also had a two year spell with Carlisle playing 79 games and scoring 16 goals.
In the opposing ranks, midfielder Callum Guy had a loan spell with the Valiants in 2017.
Last time we met:
The two sides last met in November 2019 when the Valiants recorded a 2-1 home win. The Valiants goalscorers on the day were David Worrall and Mark Cullen (pictured). However, that was Vale’s first win in their last three home meetings with Carlisle.