Match preview: Bolton Wanderers v Port Vale
Can John Askey’s side end their awful recent run with a win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday?
Top image: Nat Lofthouse statue by Heather from Leeds, England is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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Match details:
Teams: Bolton Wanderers v Port Vale
Competition: League Two
Venue: University of Bolton stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 4th December, 3pm
Form guide:
The Valiants run of poor form is now reaching crisis proportions after five straight League defeats. A win is of the highest priority. In contrast opponents Bolton have completely flipped their form around. A terrible start to the season (five straight losses) has now been transformed into five straight wins.
Port Vale team news:
Port Vale team news:The Valiants will be without the injured David Amoo (pictured) who could be out for three weeks. Amoo could well be replaced by Cristian Montano who impressed as a sub during Saturday’s defeat. It’s tricky to know what other changes manager John Askey may consider to try and reverse the side’s awful run of form. However, a predicted Port Vale starting eleven is decidedly hard work. Here goes…
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Clark, Legge, Smith, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Oyeleke, Conlon – Worrall, Pope, Montano
One to watch:
This is quite possibly the biggest game so far of manager John Askey‘s Port Vale career. Should the side lose again the pressure on the manager will doubtless increase.
Opposition player to watch:
It’s a pretty obvious choice but striker Eoin Doyle remains a potent threat at this level. After 25 goals for promoted Swindon Town last season the 32 year-old already has six goals in twelves games this season including four in his last four games.
Opposition manager:
39 year-old Ian Evatt took over as Bolton manager in the summer after his success in guiding Barrow into the Football League. He has been in charge of Bolton for twenty games with a win ratio of 35%.
Pre-match quote
As a team we know what we have got. With the belief and togetherness we have in the squad, we know we can pull this around. All it takes is one game, one result…
Cristian Montano
Connections:
Port Vale midfielder Luke Joyce began his career at the Bolton Wanderers academy. Joyce was at the club from 1995 to 1998 but without making a senior appearance for the side. In contrast, Bolton’s Reiss Greenidge spent a spell on loan with the Valiants without making a senior appearance in 2014.
Played for both:
Other players who featured for both sides are:
- Winger Chris Eagles
- Striker Craig Davies (pictured)
- Defender Jason Talbot
- Winger Jeff Smith
Last time we met:
The two sides last met at Vale Park back in 2017 when the Valiants suffered a 2-0 home defeat. Vale’s last visit to Bolton ended in a 3-1 loss with Sam Hart (pictured) scoring a consolation goal for Bruno Ribeiro’s Valiants. The last time Vale won at Bolton was way back in 1988 when they won an FA Cup tie 2-1 thanks to goals from Ron Futcher and Robbie Earle.
It’s a tough task for the Valiants as historically the stats (below) show that Vale have won just twice in 44 meetings between the two clubs.
The stats:
Overall record: 2 Port Vale wins | 24 Port Vale losses | 18 draws
How to watch:
How to watch:Finally, 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
FAQs
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
