Port Vale v Forest Green Rovers preview (League Two)
Port Vale v Forest Green Rovers preview: can Port Vale now build on Saturday’s draw and record a home win against Forest Green?
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Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Forest Green Rovers
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Tuesday 15th December, 7pm
Form guide:
Port Vale’s current stop-start form saw them record a disappointing home draw against Colchester United on Saturday. It means the Valiants’ League form is five losses, one win and a draw from their last seven games. In contrast, Rovers have four wins, two draws and a loss from their last seven matches.
Port Vale team news:
The Valiants will be sweating on the fitness of key winger David Worrall after he was subbed on Saturday. Worrall was playing through injury after he picked up a knock in midweek and is doubtful for this game. It’s tricky to know who could replace him. Cristian Montano and David Amoo are also recovering from injury so it could be Harry McKirdy who replaces Worrall. With the wing injuries, Alex Hurst may get a second start after his full League debut on Saturday. Fit again Mitch Clark could push Zak Mills for a start at right-back.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Clark, Legge Smith, Fitzpatrick – Joyce, Oyeleke, Conlon – Hurst, Rodney, Worrall
One to watch:
No player in the team is guaranteed his place but arguably Scott Brown is one of the first names on the teamsheet. However, there has been some debate on how he was beaten at his near post on Saturday. With Vale’s defence under scrutiny, the Valiants need Brown at his usual, consistent self.
Opposition players to watch:
Dangerman: The Valiants will need to be wary of experienced forward Jamille Matt who has found the target three times in his last four games. The former Newport County forward has eight goals already this season.
Others:
Youngster Jake Young joined the club from non-league Guiseley in the summer. The 19 year-old already has four goals from thirteen appearances this season.
Captain and Northern Ireland International Carl Winchester seems to have been around forever but is just 27 years old. He has over 250 career appearances.
Goalkeeper Luke McGhee is the only ever present in the League with seventeen appearances so far this season.
There are two loanees at the club. The beautifully named Odin Bailey is from Birmingham City while Jayden Richardson was loaned from Nottingham Forest.
Opposition manager:
Mark Cooper is one of the League’s longest-serving managers having been at Forest Green since 2016. He has been in charge for 232 games with a win ratio of 40%. He has also had spells as manager at eight other clubs.
Pre-match quote
We are not keeping clean sheets. There were some games last season when we didn’t play so well but we kept clean sheets. We are not doing that at the moment and that is costing us. We have to put that right if we want to achieve anything…
Manager John Askey on defensive issues
Connections:
Port Vale coach Dave Kevan spent a spell as assistant manager at Forest Green Rovers during the 2013-2014 season.
Played for both:
Other players who featured for both sides are:
- Forward Sean Rigg
- Defender Callum Evans
- Defender Lee Collins
- Winger Lewis Haldane (pictured)
Last time we met:
The two sides last met at the New Lawn back in February where it finished in a dramatic 3-2 win for the Valiants. Vale surged into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Shaun Brisley and two from Tom Pope (pictured). However, red cards for Mitch Clark and Tom Pope saw Vale concede two late goals and hanging on for victory. The game at Vale Park was a much calmer affair with the Valiants winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Richie Bennett and David Amoo.
The stats:
Overall record: 3 Port Vale wins | 2 Port Vale losses | 2 draws
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