Tranmere Rovers v Port Vale preview (League Two)
Tranmere Rovers v Port Vale preview: can Port Vale build on their comprehensive win over Southend? Tranmere certainly offer a tougher task…
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Match details:
Teams: Tranmere Rovers v Port Vale
Competition: League Two
Venue: Prenton Park stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 6th February, 3pm
Image: “Prenton Park” by longwayround is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Form guide:
Well, that win over Southend put an end to a four game winless streak for the Valiants but Vale still have to go back to the 5th December for their last win away from Vale Park. In contrast, home side Tranmere are a run of five straight wins in League and cup competitions.
Port Vale team news:
All eyes will be on the full-back positions for this game. The Valiants looked a different team with James Gibbons and Cristian Montano (pictured) in the backline. Both left the win over Southend early but the good news is that Vale were simply resting the pair after their time on the sidelines. Everyone will be hopeful that the pair will be starting on Saturday. Otherwise, it’s probably going to be one change to the starting line-up with Adam Crookes replacing Shaun Brisley who was forced off early. Manny Oyeleke is pushing for a starting place but may have to settle for the bench where he may be joined by Vale’s two deadline day signings – Will Swan and Mustapha Olagunju. Upfront all eyes will be on in-form Devante Rodney in the hope he can continue his good form.
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Gibbons, Smith, Crookes, Montano – Joyce, Conlon, Taylor – Worrall, Guthrie, Rodney
One to watch:
Should he start in front of Shaun Brisley, this is a big chance for Adam Crookes. The youngster has had to be patient to get his chance but he know has the opportunity to show what he can do in central defence over a number of games.
Opposition manager
Keith Hill was named manager of Tranmere Rovers in November 2020. after the departure of Mike Jackson. Hill is approaching 700 games as a manager and has a career win ratio of 38.99. In his brief Tranmere career, of seventeen games, he has a frankly dazzling win ratio of 65%.
Opposition team news
It probably goes without saying but the chief threat to the Vale defence will come from veteran striker James Vaughan who already has seventeen goals in all competitions this season. Forward Kaiyne Woolery scored a last-gasp winner at Vale Park earlier this season and worryingly he has also been in goalscoring form recently with two goals in the last three games. Tranmere boast plenty of experience in their ranks with goalkeeper Scott Davies (33), midfielder Jay Spearing (32) and Peter Clarke (39) still regular picks. Former Mansfield man Otis Khan provides plenty of pace and energy while former Crewe man George Ray has only made the bench in recent games.
Connections:
He may not be involved from the start but David Amoo has a chance to face one of his former clubs. Amoo spent 2013 with Tranmere making thirteen appearances and scoring once. On the other side, veteran Tranmere defender Peter Clarke had a loan spell with Port Vale back in 2003.
Other players to appear for both sides include: left-sided forward Rob Taylor; central defender Richie Sutton; diminutive midfielder Chris Shuker (pictured) and veteran defender Antony Kay,
Looking further back, strapping centre-half John Williams was purchased from Tranmere Rovers by Port Vale for a fee of £12,000 in 1985. It proved to be yet another wise John Rudge purchase. Williams helped the club to promotion in his sole season with the Valiants and then was sold to Bourmouth for £30,000, a tidy profit of £18,000 for the Valiants.
Last time we met:
The two sides met in the Football League Trophy earlier this season. Port Vale keeper Dino Visser was the hero as the Valiants won the penalty shootout 4-3 after it ended 0-0 in regular time.
The two sides also met at Vale Park where it ended as a disappointing 4-3 defeat for the Vale. The Valiants were 2-0 up through Tom Conlon and David Amoo but Luke Joyce (pictured) was sent off on 52 minutes and that changed the game. Tranmere levelled through two from James Vaughan before Devante Rodney put Vale ahead again. However, two injury time goals earned Tranmere a remarkable win.
The stats:
Overall record: 31 Port Vale wins | 40 Port Vale losses | 24 draws
From the archives…
Port Vale 3-1 Tranmere Rovers 2004
One of Vale’s better results in recent years came in the 2004 meeting at Vale Park. Vale ran out 3-1 winners thanks to a double from Chris Birchall and another from current Valiants coach Billy Paynter (pictured).
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
Donna from South Wirral
6th February 2021 @ 3:41 pm
The late Johnny King (Tranmere’s most successful manager) played for both clubs.