Port Vale v Bolton Wanderers preview
Port Vale v Bolton Wanderers preview: Tuesday provided energy and intent, can Saturday provide some goals?
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Match details:
Teams: Port Vale v Bolton Wanderers
Competition: League Two
Venue: Vale Park stadium
Kick-off: Saturday 13th March, 3pm
Form guide:
The Valiants are now seven games since their last win although Tuesday’s committed performance will at least give fans some optimism. In contrast, Bolton are in fine form with seven wins from their last eight games including three away wins.
Port Vale team news:
What will Vale change, if anything, after the Oldham draw? The Valiants clearly need someone to convert the chances so the attention will no doubt turn to the central attacking berths. Loanee Will Swan was lively and could keep his place but who should partner him? Kurtis Guthrie looks short of goals as do Theo Robinson and Mark Cullen. Devante Rodney looks better on the flank but could Vale switch him inside to accommodate fit again David Amoo on the flank? Or perhaps we’ve got it the wrong way around – perhaps Darrell Clarke will keep Rodney wide and play Amoo through the middle?
Possible Starting XI:
Brown – Mills, Legge, Smith, Crookes – Worrall, Joyce, Conlon, Amoo – Rodney, Swan
One to watch:
Winger David Worrall injected a welcome creative input into the side on his return. We are sure we are not alone in hoping the influential wideman stays fit for the remainder of the season.
Opposition manager:
Former Barrow boss Ian Evatt was appointed Bolton manager in July. His record for Wanderers is 39 games with a 41% win ratio.
Opposition team:
The Bolton team include several well-known faces. Veteran striker Eoin Doyle is the top-scorer in the League with 14 goals. Another well-known veteran – Nathan Delafouneso has six. Midfielder Antoni Sarcevic was signed from Pllymouth Argyle in the summer. Charlton midfielder Marcus Maddison is on loan from Charlton Athletic.
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.
Other players who featured for both sides in recent years are:
- Winger Chris Eagles
- Striker Craig Davies (pictured)
- Defender Jason Talbot
- Winger Jeff Smith
Last time we met:
It was arguably the result of the season for the Valiants as they won 6-3 against Bolton in December 2020. The Vale goalscorers were Mani Oyeleke, Leon Legge, Tom Conlon (pen, pictured), Cristian Montano, David Worrall and Nathan Smith. However, the last time the two sides met at Vale Park it ended in a 2-0 defeat for the Vale. The Valiants have lost their last three home games against Wanderers and have to go back to 1988 for their last home win over them.
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The stats:
Overall record: 3 Port Vale wins | 24 Port Vale losses | 10 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